Media asset streaming over network to devices

ABSTRACT

Streaming of a media asset from a cloud server computer to a media playback device is disclosed. In an embodiment, a list of media assets stored in the cloud server computer is sent over network from the cloud server computer to a portable device. In another embodiment, the list is transferred via close-range communication to the portable device from the media playback device which received the list from the cloud server computer over network. In the embodiments, a media asset is started streaming over network from the cloud server computer to the media playback device responsive to selection of one of the listed media assets at the portable device. In some embodiments, streaming is redirected from the portable device to the media playback device responsive to a user&#39;s operation or in case of disconnection.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from and is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/644,726, filed on Jul. 7, 2017, which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/689,020, filed onApr. 16, 2015 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,749,380), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/775,193, filed onFeb. 24, 2013 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,037,683), which claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/606,916, filed onMar. 5, 2012, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to streaming of media assets from aserver computer to one or more devices over network.

BACKGROUND

There have been marketed multi-functional portable computing devicessuch as iPhone and iPad both made by Apple Inc., other tablets, mobilephones, and the likes.

Such computing device today has one or more processors of greatperformance and one or more memories in which computer programs andmedia assets can be stored. The computer programs include a media playerand a video game. The media asset includes music data, movie data, andvideo game data. For example, when a user executes a media player in thecomputing device to play the music data or video data, the user canenjoy music and movies. For example, when a user executes a video gameprogram in the computing device to play the video game data, the usercan enjoy playing the video games as if the computing device were justlike a game console.

However, a user may feel less excited through playing such media assetsin the portable computing device than through playing them in a typicaldesktop television set or home audio system, because the portablecomputing device typically has a smaller local display and/or a moreinferior loudspeaker than the typical television set or home audiosystem.

An approach of sending graphics or video from a portable computingdevice to a remote display device such as a desktop television set byway of some kind of communication protocol upon playing the media assetsmay be helpful. A typical television set has a display that is largerthan the local display of the portable computing device. Accordingly,such approach may enable a larger screen of the played media to bedisplayed, and thus may make the user feel more excited. An example ofsuch approach is disclosed in the international patent publication No.WO2004/082284 entitled “Methods, Devices, and Systems for DisplayingInformation from Remote Electronic Device”. Furthermore, if thoseskilled in the art could apply such approach of sending video to sendingmusic, it might make the user to feel more excited by enabling music tobe played through a loudspeaker of the home audio system.

However, such approach of sending video or music from a portablecomputing device to a remote appliance requires the media assets to bestored in the local memories in one or both of the portable computingdevice and the remote appliance.

Therefore, the present invention addresses an approach of streamingmedia assets over network.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention are methods of streaming media assetsover network from a server computer to a media-playing device.

According to a first aspect, information indicative of media assetsstored in the server computer is sent over network from the servercomputer to a portable device, so that the portable device displays auser interface for presenting the media assets. In response to selectionof a media asset out of the presented media assets through the userinterface, the selected media asset is streamed over network from theserver computer to the media-playing device.

According to a second aspect, information indicative of media assetsstored in the server computer is transferred to a portable device fromthe media-playing device which received the information from the servercomputer, so that the portable device displays a user interface forpresenting the media assets. In response to selection of a media assetout of the presented media assets through the user interface, theselected media asset is streamed over network from the server computerto the media-playing device.

The word “tappable” used in this application means possibility orability of being tapped. For example, a tappable object means an objectwhich is to be tapped, or which a user can tap on.

A “media asset” described in this application means electronic data, inany form, to be executed and/or played. For example, the media assetincludes video data constituting a video clip, a motion picture, amovie, and the likes; audio data constituting music, a song, and thelikes; text data constituting a document and the likes; and a computerprogram constituting an application such as a video game, a text editor,and the likes. The media asset may be also referred to as a mediacontent, a media file, or the likes.

“Streaming” described in this application means providing a stream ofthe media asset in a manner where a recipient of the stream is able toplay the stream. The streaming may be performed pursuant to, forexample, protocols such as the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), theRTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol), and the RTMP (Real Time MessagingProtocol). The streaming includes a so-called progressive download.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system including a computing device, amedia-playing device, and a cloud server computer according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system including a computing device, amedia-playing device, and a cloud server computer according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system including a computing device, amedia-playing device, and a cloud server computer according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating means and/or circuitry providedin the computing device according to the embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating means and/or circuitry providedin the media-playing device according to the embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating means and/or circuitry providedin the cloud server computer according to the embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates user information stored in the cloud server computer.

FIGS. 8A through 8J illustrate GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces)displayed on a sensitive display of the computing device according to afirst embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by the computingdevice and the cloud server computer for registration of a user ID.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device and the cloud server computer for login.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device and the cloud server computer for registration of themedia-playing device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device and the cloud server computer for download of mediaassets.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device and the cloud server computer for upload of mediaassets.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device and the cloud server computer for media asset streamingaccording to a first aspect of streaming.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to the first aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a second aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a third aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a fourth aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a fifth aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a sixth aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a seventh aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to an eighth aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a ninth aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a modified ninth aspectof streaming.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a tenth aspect ofstreaming.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media asset streaming according to a modified tenth aspectof streaming.

FIG. 27 illustrates how a streamed media asset is played and output atthe computing device according to the first aspect of streaming.

FIG. 28 illustrates how progress information is displayed at thecomputing device according to the first through tenth aspects ofstreaming.

FIG. 29 illustrates how a streamed visual media asset is played andoutput at the media-playing device if the media-playing device has adisplay unit and a loudspeaker unit.

FIG. 30 illustrates how a streamed audio media asset is played andoutput at the media-playing device if the media-playing device has aloudspeaker unit.

FIG. 31 illustrates how a dialog is displayed for notifying the user ofunavailability of streaming at the computing device.

FIG. 32 illustrates exemplary user data in which two or moremedia-playing devices are registered.

FIG. 33 illustrates how a dialog is displayed for confirming thedestination of streaming at the computing device.

FIG. 34 illustrates device information including information indicativeof available format in association with registered media-playingdevice(s).

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device and the cloud server computer for pausing streamingwhile the streaming is in progress to the computing device.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating operation performed by the computingdevice and the cloud server computer for stopping streaming while thestreaming is in progress to the computing device.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating operation performed by the computingdevice, the media-playing device, and the cloud server computer forpausing streaming while the streaming is in progress to themedia-playing device.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating operation performed by the computingdevice, the media-playing device, and the cloud server computer forstopping streaming while the streaming is in progress to themedia-playing device.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating operation performed by the computingdevice and the cloud server computer for monitoring connection.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating operation performed by the computingdevice and the cloud server computer for redirecting streaming in caseof disconnection between the cloud server computer and the media-playingdevice.

FIG. 41 illustrates how a dialog is displayed, at the computing device,for notifying the user of disconnection between the computing device andthe cloud server computer.

FIG. 42 illustrates how a dialog is displayed, at the computing device,for notifying the user of redirection of streaming.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to a modified first embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to the modified first embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to another modified first embodiment.

FIG. 46 illustrates how a GUI is displayed at the media-playing deviceaccording to the modified first embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to a first aspect of streaming redirection responsiveto a user's operation.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to a second aspect of streaming redirectionresponsive to a user's operation.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to a third aspect of streaming redirection responsiveto a user's operation.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to a fourth aspect of streaming redirectionresponsive to a user's operation.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer according to a fifth aspect of streaming redirection responsiveto a user's operation.

FIG. 52 illustrates how the computing device receives the user'soperation for redirection by way of tapping on an icon.

FIG. 53 illustrates how the computing device receives the user'soperation for redirection by way of the user's gesture.

FIG. 54 illustrates a dialog displayed, at the computing device, fornotifying the user of unavailability of streaming redirection.

FIG. 55 illustrates a dialog displayed, at the computing device, forpresenting devices registered in the device information for selection.

FIG. 56 illustrates a dialog displayed, at the computing device, forpresenting devices registered in the device information for selection.

FIG. 57 illustrates guides displayed at the computing device andillustrates how the computing device receives the user's operation forredirection by way of the user's gesture.

FIG. 58 illustrates guides displayed at the computing device andillustrates how the computing device receives the user's operation forredirection by way of the user's gesture.

FIG. 59 illustrates a GUI for login displayed at the media-playingdevice according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 60 illustrates a list of media assets displayed at the computingdevice according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media streaming according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for media streaming according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 63 illustrates how progress information is displayed at thecomputing device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for pausing streaming according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by thecomputing device, the media-playing device, and the cloud servercomputer for stopping streaming according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by themedia-playing device and the cloud server computer for monitoringconnection according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment Summary

In the first embodiment, a computing device 100 and one or moremedia-playing devices 200 can be connected to a cloud server computer500 over network 400. The cloud server computer 500 stores media assets.The cloud server computer 500 presents to the computing device 100 alist of the stored media assets. Responsive to selection of a mediaasset out of the presented media assets by the computing device 100, thecloud server computer 500 can start streaming the selected media assetover network 400 to the media-playing device 200.

Rough Configuration

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a system, according to the present embodiment,including the computing device 100, the media-playing device 200, andthe cloud server computer

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the computing device 100 and themedia-playing device 200 are connected to the cloud server computer 500over the network 400.

The computing device 100 is a multi-functional computing device suitablein size for portability. The computing device 100 can be a smartphone,cell phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and another similarcomputing device.

The computing device 100 has communication circuitry 103 for wirelesslyconnecting to the network 400.

The media-playing device 200 is an appliance suitable for use, forexample, on a desk, a table, or in a living room for playing mediaassets. The media-playing device 200 plays media assets to output mediagenerated as a result of playing the media assets. For example, themedia-playing device 200 may have a display unit with the size of 20inches, 32 inches, 40 inches, 60 inches, and so on for displaying visualmedia generated as a result of playing visual media assets. For example,the media-playing device 200 may have a loudspeaker unit for outputtingsound generated as a result of playing audio media assets.

The media-playing device 200 is coupled to communication circuitry 302for connecting to the network 400 to receive media assets.

The computing device 100 and the media-playing device 200 are physicallyother than from each other. In other words, circuitry of the computingdevice 100 and circuitry of the media-playing device 200 are encased inhousings different from each other.

The computing device 100 and the media-playing device 200 can beconnected together over close-range communication. Specifically, thecomputing device 100 has close-range communication circuitry 106 forwirelessly connecting to the media-playing device 200. The media-playingdevice 200 is coupled to close-range communication circuitry 304 forwireless close-range communication with the computing device 100. Eachof the circuitry 302 and 304 can be provided inside the media-playingdevice 200 as depicted in FIG. 1, or can also be an external deviceattachable to the media-playing device 200 by way of, for example, USB(Universal Serial Bus) or another interface as depicted in FIG. 2. Or,one of the circuitry 302 and 304 can be provided inside themedia-playing device 200 while another can be an external deviceattachable to the media-playing device 200, as depicted in FIG. 3.

The network 400 is communication environment where the computing device100 and the media-playing device 200 are connected to the cloud servercomputer 500. The network 400 can be the Internet, a LAN (Local AreaNetwork), the WiMAX™, or other one or a combination of communicationplatforms.

The cloud server computer 500 is a computing device having communicationcircuitry 503 for connection over the network 400 to the computingdevice 100 and the media-playing device 200. The cloud server computer500 stores media assets and provides a service of streaming the mediaassets to the computing device 100 and/or the media-playing device 200over the network 400. For example, the cloud server computer 500 mayconsist essentially of a personal computer, a work station, or a similarcomputing device coupled to storage for storing the media assets.

Computing Device 100

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the computing device 100 for illustratingthe configuration of the computing device 100 in more detail.

The computing device 100 mainly has a processor 101, a sensitive display102, the communication circuitry 103, a memory 104, a loudspeaker unit105, the close-range communication circuitry 106, and GPS circuitry 107.

The processor 101 generally processes instructions of computer programsstored in the memory 104 to execute the computer programs, so as torealize a variety of functions of the computing device 100. Theprocessor 101 can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a MPU (MicroProcessing Unit), a DSP (Digital Processing Unit), or another general ordedicated processor.

The sensitive display 102 is a display unit composed essentially of adisplay unit 102 a and a sensor unit 102 b. The display unit 102 a canbe a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro-Luminance) display, oranother similar type of display device. The display unit 102 a displaysgraphics and video in accordance with video signals generated by andsent from the processor 101. The sensor unit 102 b is a sensor todistinctively detect (i) taps of one or more objects, such as a user'sfinger and a stylus, made onto the sensor unit 102 b and (ii) hover ofsuch object made in proximity over the sensor unit 102 b. The sensorunit 102 b sends to the processor 101 signals representing (i) thelocation of the detected tap as long as such tap is detected and (ii)the location of detected hover as long as such hover is detected. A tapmay be a touch or a contact in other words. Further, the sensor unit 102b detects gestures by (i) continuously detecting hover continuously madein proximity above the sensor unit 102 b or (ii) continuously detectinga movement of the object while a tap is maintained on the sensor unit102 b. The technologies of sensing of taps, hover, and/or gestures aredisclosed, for example, in the U.S. patent publications Nos. 2009/194344invented by Harley et al, 2008/297487 invented by Hotelling et al,2009/289914 invented by CHO, 2006/26521 invented by Hotelling et al,2006/244733 invented by Geaghan et al, 2010/45633 invented by Gettemy etal, 2011/169780 invented by Goertz et al, 2008/158172 invented byHotelling et al, and the issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,653,883 invented byHotelling et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,990 invented by King et al, U.S.Pat. No. 7,880,732 invented by Goertz, U.S. Pat. No. 7,663,607 inventedby Hotelling et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,855,718 invented by Westerman, U.S.Pat. No. 7,777,732 invented by HERZ et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,924,271invented by Christie et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,219,936 invented by Kim etal, U.S. Pat. No. 8,284,173 invented by Morrison, U.S. Pat. No.6,803,906 invented by Morrison, U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,197 invented byMorrison et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,692,627 invented by Wilson, the contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Thedisplay unit 102 a and the sensor unit 102 b can be mechanicallyintegrated together. As a result, the sensitive display 102 displaysgraphics and video as well as detects tap, hover, and gestures of anobject like the user's finger or a stylus made on or above the sensitivedisplay 102.

The communication circuitry 103 is circuitry for wirelessly connectingto the network 400 to send and receive data to and from the cloud servercomputer 500 over the network 400. The communication circuitry 103 canbe pursuant to the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), the WiMAX™protocol, the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) protocol, or anotherwireless communication protocol depending on the communication platformof the network 400.

The memory 104 is a memory device such as, for example, a flash memory,an EEPROM, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a combination thereof, and anothersimilar device for data storage. The memory 104 stores computer programsto be executed by the processor 101. In particular, the memory 104stores an OS (Operating System) 104 a, a WWW (World Wide Web) browser104 b, and a streaming program 104 c. The WWW browser 104 b and thestreaming program 104 c are typically application programs that run onthe OS 104 a. The programs 104 b and 104 c are often collectivelyreferred to as application programs. One or more of the applicationprograms 104 b and 104 c can be executed on the OS 104 a in response tothe user's selection.

The WWW browser 104 b is a program generally having instructions of:receiving designation of URLs (Universal Resource Locators) from theuser; connecting to the designated URLs; and displaying WWW pagescorresponding to the URLs on the sensitive display 102.

The streaming program 104 c is a program that is associated with the URLof the cloud server computer 500 and has instructions for media assetstreaming. The instructions preferably includes but are not limited to:connecting to the cloud server computer 500; displaying on the sensitivedisplay 102 a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to receive operations fromthe user; requesting login to and out of the cloud server computer 500;requesting registration of the computing device 100 and themedia-playing devices 200 to the cloud server computer 500; receivinginformation indicative of media assets from the cloud server computer500; displaying a list of the media assets with reference to theinformation; receiving a user input to select a media asset out of thelisted media assets; requesting streaming of the selected media asset tothe cloud server computer 500; playing streamed media asset; anddisplaying a menu for operation of the media asset streaming.

The memory 104 also can store media assets locally. For example, themedia assets downloaded through the communication circuitry 103 over thenetwork 400 can be stored in the memory 104.

The loudspeaker unit 105 outputs sound generated as a result of mediaassets being played by the processor 101.

The close-range communication circuitry 106 is circuitry for wirelesslyconnecting to the close-range communication circuitry 304 of themedia-playing device 200. Data can be transmitted to and received fromthe media-playing device 200 through the close-range communicationcircuitry 106. The close-range communication circuitry 106 cancommunicate in accordance with, for example, an infrared communicationprotocol, the Bluetooth™ protocol, the WiMAX™ protocol, the wireless LAN(Local Area Network) protocol, or another close-range wirelesscommunication protocol.

The GPS circuitry 107 is circuitry for locating the computing device 100by use of the GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS circuitry 107 maygenerate location information indicative of the location, such as thelatitude and longitude, of the computing device 100.

Media-Playing Device 200

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the media-playing device 200 forillustrating the configuration of the media-playing device 200 in moredetail.

The media-playing device 200 is mainly provided with or coupled to aprocessor 301, the communication circuitry 302, an output unit 303, theclose-range communication circuitry 304, a memory 305, and GPS circuitry307.

The communication circuitry 302 is circuitry for connecting to thenetwork 400 to receive data from the cloud server computer 500. Forexample, the communication circuitry 302 can be pursuant to the CDMA(Code Division Multiple Access), the WiMAX™ protocol, the LAN (LocalArea Network) protocol, or another communication protocol depending onthe communication platform of the network 400.

The processor 301 generally executes computer programs stored in thememory 305. The processor 301 can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), aMPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Processing Unit), or anothergeneral or dedicated processor.

The memory 305 stores a streaming program 305 a that is a computerprogram having instructions for playing streamed media assets. Theinstructions preferably include but are not limited to: accessing to thecloud server computer 500 over the network 400; receiving informationindicative of media assets stored in the cloud server computer 500 fromthe cloud server computer 500; transferring the information to thecomputing device 100 via the close-range communication circuitry 304;receiving a selection of a media asset from the computing device 100 viathe close-range communication circuitry 304; sending a request forstreaming of the selected media asset to the cloud server computer 500;receiving a media asset streamed from the cloud server computer 500 overthe network 400; playing the streamed media asset by decoding the mediaasset if the media asset is encoded; and outputting video and/or audiosignals generated as a result of playing the media asset to the outputunit 303.

The output unit 303 is a unit for presenting media generated as a resultof the processor 31 playing media assets. Specifically, the output 303may be a display unit such as a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL(Electro-Luminance) display, and the likes for displaying videogenerated as a result of playing visual media assets, or may be aloudspeaker unit for outputting sound generated as a result of playingaudio media assets.

The close-range communication circuitry 304 is circuitry for wirelesslyconnecting to the close-range communication circuitry 106 of thecomputing device 100. Data can be transmitted to and received from thecomputing device 100 through the close-range communication circuitry304. The close-range communication circuitry 304 can communicate inaccordance with, for example, an infrared communication protocol, theBluetooth™ protocol, the WiMAX™ protocol, the wireless LAN (Local AreaNetwork) protocol, or another close-range wireless communicationprotocol.

The GPS circuitry 307 is circuitry for locating the media-playing device200 by use of the GPS (Global Positioning System). The GPS circuitry 307may generate location information indicative of the location, such asthe latitude and longitude, of the media-playing device 200.

Cloud Server Computer

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the cloud server computer 500 forillustrating the configuration of the cloud server computer 500 in moredetail.

The cloud server computer 500 mainly has a processor 501, storage 502,communication circuitry 503, and storage 504.

The communication circuitry 503 is circuitry for connecting to thenetwork 400 to receive and send data from and to the computing device100 and the media-playing device 200. For example, the communicationcircuitry 503 can be pursuant to the CDMA (Code Division MultipleAccess), the WiMAX™ protocol, the LAN (Local Area Network) protocol, oranother communication protocol depending on the communication platformof the network 400.

The processor 501 generally processes instructions of computer programsstored in the storage 502 to execute the computer programs. Theprocessor 501 can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a MPU (MicroProcessing Unit), a DSP (Digital Processing Unit), or another general ordedicated processor.

The storage 502 stores computer programs to be executed by the processor501 and user data 600 associated with user IDs. The computer programsmainly include OS 502 a and a streaming program 502 b. The streamingprogram 502 b runs on the OS 502 a. Each of the user data 600 isassociated with a specific user ID, and contains device information 601and media assets 602 associated with the specific user ID, asillustrated in FIG. 7. The device information 601 includes a name ofeach of one or more computing devices 100 and one or more media-playingdevices 200 registered by a user and information, such as an IP address,unique to the corresponding device for identifying the device overnetwork 400. The media assets 602 may be media data that have beencopied or downloaded over the network 400, or have been uploaded by theuser.

More specifically, a media asset 602 may be an audio media productformatted in MP3 (MPEG2 Audio Layer-3), AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), oranother audio format. A media asset 602 may be a video media productformatted in AVI (Audio Video Interleave), MPEG4, H.264, or anothervideo format. A media asset 602 also may be a video game productformatted in EXE (Execution) or another program format.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, for example, the user data 600 of the user ID001 includes the device information 601 indicative of the computingdevice 100 labeled “Handheld Device” as a device number 01 having an IPaddress of “aaa.bbb.ccc” and a media-playing device 200 labeled “MediaDevice” as a device number 02 having an IP address of “ddd.eee.fff”. Theuser data 600 of the user ID 001 also includes the audio media assets602 of “LoveSong01.mp3”, “PunkRock01.mp3”, “LoveSong02.mp3”,“PunkRock02.mp3” and “MyFavorite.mp3”, and the video media assets 602 of“Movie01.avi”, “MyDaughter.mpg”, “Movie02.avi” and “SoapOpera01.mpg”.

The streaming program 502 b is a program having instructions forstreaming media assets 602. The instructions preferably include but arenot limited to: sending an encoded media asset 602 to a deviceregistered in the device information 601; decoding an encoded mediaasset 602 and generating a decoded media asset to send the decoded mediaasset to a device registered in the device information 601; and, in caseof streaming a media asset 602 of a video game product, executing thevideo game product and generating graphics of the video game product tosend the graphics to a device registered in the device information 601.The instructions may also include (i) registration of the user data 600,(ii) permission of login, (iii) copy/download of media assets to storethe media assets in the storage 504, (iv) upload of media assets, (v)establishment of connection to the computing device 100 and themedia-playing device 200, and (vi) streaming of media assets over thenetwork 400 to a device listed in the user data 600. Details of how thestreaming is done will be described below.

The storage 504 stores media assets for sale. The media assets stored inthe storage 504 do not belong to any of the users of the user IDs, andis to be copied or downloaded as the user data 600 of a purchaser.

Registration of User ID

First, the user needs to register a unique user ID in the cloud servercomputer 500. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating registration of userID.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the user first uses the computing device 100to connect to the cloud server computer 500 to register his/her uniqueuser ID.

Responsive to the user's operation through the sensitive display 102,the computing device 100 launches the streaming program 104 c and sendsto the cloud server computer 500 via the communication circuitry 103 arequest for connection between the computing device 100 and the cloudserver computer 500 (S2000).

Responsive to establishment of connection between the computing device100 and the cloud server computer 500 (S2001), the computing device 100displays on the sensitive display 102 a GUI for login to the cloudserver computer 500 as illustrated in FIG. 8A (S2002).

The GUI contains an input field 700 for input of a user ID, an inputfield 701 for input of a password, and tappable icons 702 and 703. Auser ID and a password can be input in the input field 700 and 701 bythe user's operation through the sensitive display 102.

If the user has not registered any user ID yet, the user needs toregister his/her unique user ID. Tapping the icon 703 through thesensitive display 102 proceeds the GUI to a GUI for new registration(S2003). The GUI for new registration contains an input field 710 forinput of a user ID the user would like to register, an input field 711for input of a password the user would like to register along with theuser ID input in the input field 710, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. A userID and a password can be input in the input fields 710 and 711 by theuser's operation through the sensitive display 102. The GUI alsocontains tappable icons 712 and 713. Responsive to the icon 712 beingtapped through the sensitive display 102, the computing device 100 sendsto the cloud server computer 500 the user ID and password input in theinput fields 710 and 711 (S2004). The cloud server computer thenregisters the received user ID and the password together (S2005). Theregistered user ID and password are stored as the user data 600.Responsive to the icon 713 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the GUI returns to the GUI for login as illustrated in FIG. 8A.

Login

Once the user ID and the password have been registered in the cloudserver computer 500, the computing device 100 can login to the cloudserver computer 500 with the user ID.

In the GUI for login as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the computing device 100receives input of the user ID and the password in the input fields 700and 701, and receives tapping on the icon 702. Responsive to the icon702 being tapped through the sensitive display 102 (S2006), thecomputing device 100 sends a request for login with the input user IDand the password to the cloud server computer 500 (S2007), asillustrated in FIG. 10. The cloud server computer 500 accepts login fromthe computing device 100 with the user ID and the password (S2009) ifthe user ID and the password are registered together as the user data600 (S2008: Yes). Then, the cloud server computer 500 notifies thecomputing device 100 of acceptance of login (S2011). On the other hand,the cloud server computer 500 does not permit login from the computingdevice 100 and notifies the computing device 100 of failure to login(S2010) if the user ID and the password are not registered (S2008: No).

Registration of Devices

After login to the cloud server computer 500, the user can register oneor more media-playing devices 200 in association with the computingdevice 100 in the cloud server computer 500.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating registration of the media-playingdevices 200. Responsive to the notification of acceptance of login inS2011, the GUI proceeds to the GUI for registration information asillustrated in FIG. 8C (S2020). Responsive to the notification ofacceptance of login in S2011, the cloud server computer 500 sends todevice information 601 stored as the user data 600. For example, if theuser has logged in with the user with the user ID 001, the cloud servercomputer 500 sends the device information 601 as the user data 600 ofthe user ID 001. Accordingly, in the GUI for registration information,the computing device 100 receives from the cloud server computer 500 thedevice information 601 (S2021).

The GUI for registration information contains information field 720 andtappable icons 721 and 722. The information field 720 displays user IDand the received device information 601 indicative of the devicesregistered in the cloud server computer 500 in association with the userID. In the example of FIG. 8C, the device information 601 shows that thecomputing device 100 with the IP address of “aaa.bbb.ccc” is labeled“Handheld Device” and registered as the Registered Device 1, and amedia-playing device 200 with the IP address of “ddd.eee.fff” is labeled“Media Device” and registered as the Registered Device 2.

Tapping on the icon 722 proceeds the GUI to a GUI for deviceregistration as illustrated in FIG. 8D (S2022). In the GUI for deviceregistration, the registration information field 723 displays an inputfield 724 for input of a device name, an input field 725 for input of anIP address, and tappable icons 726 and 727, as well as the deviceinformation 601.

In the GUI for device registration, the computing device 100 receivesinput of a device name and an IP address in the input fields 724 and 725from the user. Responsive to the icon 726 being tapped through thesensitive display 102, the computing device 100 sends a request to thecloud server computer 500 for registration of the input device name andthe IP address in association with each other (S2023).

The cloud server computer 500 receives and registers the device name andthe IP address as the device information 601 of the user data 600(S2024).

Tapping on the icon 727 returns the GUI back to the GUI for registrationinformation as illustrated in FIG. 8C.

According to the steps from S2020 to S2024, the computing device 100 andone or more media-playing devices 200 can be registered as the user data600.

Store Media Assets

After login to the cloud server computer 500, the user can store mediaassets in association with his/her user ID in the cloud server computer500.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating purchase and storage of the mediaassets.

In the GUI for registration information as illustrated in FIG. 8C again,responsive to the icon 721 being tapped, the GUI proceeds to the GUI formedia-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E (S2030). In the GUIfor media-asset information, the cloud server computer 500 sends thedevice information 601 and information about the stored media assets 602to the computing device 100 (S2031). Thus, in the GUI for media-assetinformation, the computing device 100 receives the user data 601 andinformation about the media assets 602 (S2031). For example, theinformation may include a name and format of each media asset 602 and/orthumbnails each representing each media asset 602.

The GUI for media-data information contains a list 730 and icons 731,732, and 733. The list 730 displays the media assets 602, based on thereceived information, in a tappable form so as for the user to selectone of the media assets 602. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730lists the media assets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the mediaassets 602.

Responsive to the icon 733 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the GUI returns to the GUI for registration information asillustrated in FIG. 8C.

Responsive to the icon 731 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the GUI proceeds to a GUI for media-asset purchase as illustratedin FIG. 8F (S2032). In the GUI for media-asset purchase, the computingdevice 100 receives from the cloud server computer 500 informationindicative of the for-sale media assets stored in the storage 504(S2033). For example, the information may include a name, a format, anda price of each for-sale media asset, and/or thumbnails eachrepresenting each for-sale media asset.

The GUI for media-asset purchase contains a list 740 and icon 741. Inthe example of FIG. 8F, the list 740 displays the for-sale media assetsby way of thumbnails representing the for-sale media assets.

Responsive to the icon 741 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the GUI returns to the GUI for media-asset information asillustrated in FIG. 8E.

Through the GUI for media-asset purchase, the user can select one of thefor-sale media assets listed in the list 740 to purchase and store theselected media asset. For selection, the user can tap a thumbnailcorresponding to a for-sale media asset he/she wants to buy through thesensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail being tapped, thecomputing device 100 sends a request to the cloud server computer 500for purchase of a for-sale media asset corresponding to the tappedthumbnail (S2034). Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer500 sends confirmation to the computing device 100 (S2035). Responsiveto the confirmation, the computing device 100 pops up a dialog 742 forconfirmation in the GUI for media-asset purchase, as illustrated in FIG.8G (S2036). The dialog 742 contains tappable icons 743 and 744 toconfirm whether or not the user really wants to buy the selectedfor-sale media asset. Responsive to the icon 744 being tapped throughthe sensitive display 102, the computing device 100 sends to the cloudserver computer 500 confirmation to confirm the user's intention to buythe selected for-sale media asset (S2037). Responsive to theconfirmation, the cloud server computing device 500 processes a purchasetransaction, and downloads the selected for-sale media asset to the userdata 600 in the storage 502 (S2038). Specifically, the selected for-salemedia asset is downloaded to one of the user data 600 corresponding tothe user ID of the purchaser, and stored as the one of the user data600. For example, if the purchaser is a user who has logged in with auser ID 001, the selected for-sale media asset is stored in a user data600 of the user ID 001.

Note that because the purchase transaction over network is so familiarand well known to those skilled in the art, the details of how thepurchase transaction is made is not described in detail in thisspecification. A technology of such purchase transaction over networkcan be seen, for example, in U.S. patent publications Nos. 2011-106665entitled “Online Purchase of Digital Media Bundles”, 2011-60663 entitled“System and Method of Providing Customer Purchase Propensity Informationto Online Merchants”, 2009-48943 entitled “Internet Based CustomerDriven Purchase Method and Apparatus”, 2009-83136 entitled “ConsolidatedOnline Purchase Transaction”, 2008-71682 entitled “Method and System forProcessing Internet Purchase Transactions”, 2007-22438 entitled “Systemand Methods for Performing Online Purchase of Delivery of Service to aHandheld Device”, 2006-123052 entitled “Online Purchase of Digital MediaBundles”, 2006-89949 entitled “Online Purchase of Digital MediaBundles”, 2003-220845 entitled “System and Method for Processing OnlinePurchase”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Responsive to the icon 743 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the computing device 100 does not send the confirmation, and theGUI for media-data purchase remains.

Upload Media Data

Besides purchase of media assets, the user can upload media assetsstored locally in the computing device 100 to the cloud server computer500.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating upload and storage of the mediaassets.

Back in the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8Eagain (S2030, S2031), responsive to the icon 732 being tapped throughthe sensitive display 102, the GUI proceeds to a GUI for media-assetupload as illustrated in FIG. 8H (S2040). In the GUI for media-assetupload, the computing device 100 acquires information indicative ofmedia assets stored locally in the memory 104 (S2041) if one or moremedia assets are stored locally in the memory 104. For example, theinformation may include a name and a format of each media asset, and/orthumbnails each representing each media asset.

The GUI for media-asset upload contains a list 750 and icon 751. In theexample of FIG. 8H, the list 750 displays the media assets by way ofthumbnails representing the media assets.

Responsive to the icon 751 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the GUI returns to the GUI for media-asset information asillustrated in FIG. 8E.

Through the GUI for media-asset upload, the user can select one of themedia assets listed in the list 750 to upload the selected media asset.For selection, the user can tap a thumbnail corresponding to a mediaasset he/she wants to upload through the sensitive display 102.Responsive to a thumbnail being tapped, the computing device 100 sends arequest to the cloud server computer 500 for upload of a media assetcorresponding to the tapped thumbnail (S2042). Responsive to therequest, the cloud server computer 500 sends confirmation to thecomputing device 100 (S2043). Responsive to the confirmation, thecomputing device 100 pops up a dialog 752 for confirmation in the GUIfor media-asset upload, as illustrated in FIG. 8I (S2044). The dialog752 contains tappable icons 753 and 754 to confirm whether or not theuser really wants to upload the selected media asset. Responsive to theicon 754 being tapped through the sensitive display 102, the computingdevice 100 starts uploading the selected media asset to the cloud servercomputer 500 (S2045). Responsive to the uploading, the cloud servercomputing device 500 stores the uploaded media assets in the storage 502(S2046). Specifically, the media asset is uploaded and stored in one ofthe user data 600 corresponding to the user ID of the user (uploader).For example, if the uploader is a user who has logged in with a user ID001, the selected media asset is stored in a user data 600 of the userID 001.

Responsive to the icon 753 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the computing device 100 does not start the uploading, and the GUIfor media-asset upload remains.

Streaming of Media Asset

If the user has one or more media assets stored as the user data 600 ofhis/her user ID in the cloud server computer 500, the user can enjoy themedia assets through streaming. The cloud server computer 500, inconnection with the computing device 100, performs streaming of a mediaasset in accordance with at least one or combination of the followingaspects of streaming.

First Aspect of Streaming

FIGS. 14 and 15 are flowcharts illustrating a first aspect of streamingof the media assets.

Back in the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8Eagain (S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored asthe user data 600 of the user, based on the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 refers to the device information 601received at S2031, and pops up a dialog 734 for confirming thedestination of streaming as illustrated in FIG. 8J (S2050). The dialog734 contains icons representing devices listed in the received deviceinformation 601. In the example of FIG. 8J, the dialog 734 contains atappable icon 735 to select the computing device 100 labeled “HandheldDevice” and a tappable icon 736 to select the media-playing device 200labeled “Media Device”, with reference to the device information 601 ofthe user ID 001.

Responsive to the icon 735 being tapped through the sensitive display102, the computing device 100 sends a request to the cloud server 500for streaming of a selected media asset to the computing device 100(S2052). The request may include information indicative of the selectedmedia asset and information indicative of selection of the computingdevice 100. Responsive to the request from the computing device 100, thecloud server computer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset tothe computing device 100 (S2053). Specifically, the cloud servercomputer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset by directing thestreaming to the IP address of the computing device 100 (aaa.bbb.ccc)with reference to the user data 601. In S2053, upon starting thestreaming, the cloud server computer 500 does not need to newlyestablish connection with the computing device 100 because the computingdevice 100 is not only the destination of the streaming but also therequester of the streaming and thus connection between the cloud servercomputer 500 and the computing device 100 has been kept establishedsince the cloud server computer 500 accepted login from the computingdevice 100. If the selected media asset concerns encoded video or audiodata, the streaming may be made by directly sending the encoded video oraudio data to the computing device 100, or by decoding the encoded videoor audio data to send the decoded data to the computing device 100. Ifthe selected media asset concerns a video game program, the streamingmay be made by executing the video game program to send rendered videogame graphics and played video game sound to the computing device 100.

While the media asset is being streamed, the computing device 100 playsthe media asset (S2054). Specifically, resultant audio generated as aresult of the media asset being played is outputted through theloudspeaker 105, and/or resultant graphics and video generated as aresult of the media asset being played is displayed on the sensitivedisplay 102 as illustrated in FIG. 27. In addition to playing the mediaasset, the computer 100 also generates a graphical menu for operation ofthe ongoing streaming of the media asset, and displays the graphicalmenu on the sensitive display 102 (S2055). For example, the graphicalmenu consisting of the tappable icons 900 to 903 is displayed on thesensitive display 102 as illustrated in FIG. 27. As illustrated in FIG.27, the graphical menu is displayed along with the video displayed onthe sensitive display 102. The icons 900 to 903 are icons for operationof the ongoing streaming of the media asset. Responsive to one of theicons 900 to 903 being tapped through the sensitive display 102, thecomputing device 100 sends a request to the cloud server computer 500for operation of the ongoing streaming of the media asset (S2056). Forexample, responsive to the icon 900 being tapped, the computing device100 requests the cloud server computer 500 to rewind the ongoingstreaming of the media asset. For example, responsive to the icon 901being tapped, the computing device 100 requests the cloud servercomputer 500 to stop the ongoing streaming of the media asset. Forexample, responsive to the icon 902 being tapped, the computing device100 requests the cloud server computer 500 to pause the ongoingstreaming of the media asset. For example, responsive to the icon 903being tapped, the computing device 100 requests the cloud servercomputer 500 to fast-forward the ongoing streaming of the media asset.Responsive to the request for operation from the computing device 100,the cloud server computer 500 operates the streaming of the ongoingmedia asset, namely, rewinds, stops, pauses, or fast-forwards theongoing streaming of the media asset (S2057).

Back in S2050, through the dialog 734, responsive to the icon 736 beingtapped, the computing device 100 sends a request to the cloud server 500for streaming of the selected media asset to the media-playing device200 corresponding to the icon 736 (S2060). The request may includeinformation indicative of the selected media asset and indicative of theselection of the media-playing device 200. Responsive to the requestfrom the computing device 100, the cloud server computer 500 sends arequest to the selected media-playing device 200 for connection betweenthe cloud server computer 500 and the selected media-playing device 200(S2061). Responsive to establishment of the connection between the cloudserver computer 500 and the selected media-playing device 200 (S2062),the cloud server computer 500 starts streaming the selected media assetto the selected media-playing device 200 (S2063). Specifically, thecloud server computer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset bydirecting the streaming to the IP address of the selected media-playingdevice 200 (ddd.eee.fff) with reference to the user data 600. If theselected media asset concerns encoded video or audio data, the streamingmay be made by directly sending the encoded video or audio data to themedia-playing device 200, or by decoding the encoded video or audio datato send the decoded data to the media-playing device 200. If theselected media asset concerns a video game program, the streaming may bemade by executing the video game program to send rendered video gamegraphics and played video game sound to the media-playing device 200.

While the media asset is being streamed, the media-playing device 200plays the media asset (S2064). Specifically, resultant audio and/orvideo generated as a result of the media asset being played is outputtedthrough the output unit 303. For example, if the streamed media assetinvolves encoded audio or video, the streamed media asset is decoded bythe processor 301 so that the decoded video or audio is outputted by theoutput unit 303. For example, if the streamed media asset involvesnon-encoded audio or video, the streamed media asset is just outputtedby the output unit 303.

Upon starting the streaming at S2063, the cloud server computer 500sends to the computing device 100 notification that the streaming hasbeen started, and starts sending to the computing device 100 progressinformation indicative of progress of the streaming (S2065). Thenotification may contain information indicative of the streamed mediaasset such as the name of the streamed media asset, the format of thestreamed media asset, the duration of the streamed media asset, and thelikes. The progress information may indicate how far the media asset hasbeen streamed within the duration of the media asset. The cloud servercomputer 500 intermittently sends the progress information based on theprogress of the streaming after S2065 as long as the streaming is inprogress.

Responsive to the notification and the progress information, thecomputing device 100 starts displaying on the sensitive display 102information indicative of the streamed media asset and a graphical menubased on the notification and the progress information (S2066). Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the sensitive display 102 displaysthe name of the streamed media asset, a progress bar 904 indicative ofhow far the media asset has been played within the duration of theplayed media asset, and a graphical menu consisting of the icons 900 to903 for operation of the streaming. In the example of FIG. 28, thesensitive display 102 is showing that the media asset with the name of“Movie01.avi” has been played for eight minutes and twenty-seven secondsafter the start of the streaming within the duration of sixty minutes.The icons 900 to 903 are icons for operation of streaming of the mediaasset. Responsive to one of the icons 900 to 903 being tapped throughthe sensitive display 102, the computing device 100 sends a request tothe cloud server computer 500 for operation of the ongoing streaming ofthe media asset (S2067). For example, responsive to the icon 900 beingtapped, the computing device 100 requests the cloud server computer 500to rewind the ongoing streaming of the media asset. For example,responsive to the icon 901 being tapped, the computing device 100requests the cloud server computer 500 to stop the ongoing streaming ofthe media asset. For example, Responsive to the icon 902 being tapped,the computing device 100 requests the cloud server computer 500 to pausethe ongoing streaming of the media asset. For example, responsive to theicon 903 being tapped, the computing device 100 requests the cloudserver computer 500 to fast-forward the ongoing streaming of the mediaasset. Responsive to request for operation from the computing device100, the cloud server computer 500 operates the streaming of the ongoingmedia asset, namely, rewinds, stops, pauses, or fast-forwards theongoing streaming of the media asset (S2068).

Second Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 may be far away from thecomputing device 100. Such case may occur, for example, when themedia-playing device 200 is installed at a living room of a user'shouse, but the user is outside the house with the computing device 100put in his/her pocket. In such situation, streaming should not bedirected to the media-playing device 200 responsive to a request fromthe computing device 100 because the user could not watch the streamedmedia.

Therefore, in a second aspect of streaming, the computing device 100lets the user choose the media-playing device 200 only when themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the second aspect of streaming ofmedia assets. Some steps in the second aspect may be common to those inthe first aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer tothe common steps between the first and the second aspects.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 refers to the device information 601received at S2031, and pops up a dialog 734 for confirming thedestination of streaming as illustrated in FIG. 8J (S2050). The dialog734 contains icons representing devices listed in the received deviceinformation 601. In the example of FIG. 8J, the dialog 734 contains atappable icon 735 to select the computing device 100 labeled “HandheldDevice” and a tappable icon 736 to select the media-playing device 200labeled “Media Device”, with reference to the device information 601 ofthe user ID 001.

Responsive to the icon 736 being tapped, the computing device 100activates the close-range communication circuitry 106 and communicateswith the media-playing device 200 to determine whether or not themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100 (S2200). Thedetermination can be made, for example, by sending a predeterminedpolling signal from the close-range communication circuitry 106 to theclose-range communication circuitry 304 and determining whether or notthe close-range communication circuitry 106 receives a reply signal fromthe close-range communication circuitry 304 in reply to the pollingsignal. If the reply signal is successfully received through theclose-range communication circuitry 106 within a predetermined periodafter the polling signal, the close-range communication circuitry 106and 304 can communicate with each other, which means that themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100. If the replysignal is not received through the close-range communication circuitry106 within the predetermined period after the polling signal, theclose-range communication circuitry 106 and 304 cannot communicate witheach other, which means that the media-playing device 200 is not nearthe computing device 100.

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be near the computingdevice 100 (S2200: Yes), the computing device 100 sends a request to thecloud server 500 for streaming of the selected media asset to themedia-playing device 200 corresponding to the icon 736 (S2060).

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be not near thecomputing device 100 (S2200: No), the computing device 100 does not sendthe request but displays, on the sensitive display 102, a dialog 907, asillustrated in FIG. 31, for notifying the user that the media-playingdevice 200 is far from the user and thus streaming to the media-playingdevice 200 is unavailable (S2201).

After S2060, upon establishment of connection between the cloud servercomputer 500 and the media-playing device 200 (S2061, S2062), the cloudserver computer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset to themedia playing device 200 (S2063), and starts sending the progressinformation to the computing device 100 (S2065).

Third Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 may be far away from thecomputing device 100. Such case may occur, for example, when themedia-playing device 200 is installed at a living room of a user'shouse, but the user is outside the house with the computing device 100put in his/her pocket. In such situation, streaming should not bedirected to the media-playing device 200 responsive to a request fromthe computing device 100 because the user could not watch the streamedmedia.

Therefore, in a third aspect of streaming, the cloud server computer 500lets the user choose the media-playing device 200 only when themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the third aspect of streaming ofmedia assets. Some steps in the third aspect may be common to those inthe first aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer tothe common steps between the first and the third aspects.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 refers to the device information 601received at S2031, and pops up a dialog 734 for confirming thedestination of streaming as illustrated in FIG. 8J (S2050). The dialog734 contains icons representing devices listed in the received deviceinformation 601. In the example of FIG. 8J, the dialog 734 contains atappable icon 735 to select the computing device 100 labeled “HandheldDevice” and a tappable icon 736 to select the media-playing device 200labeled “Media Device”, with reference to the device information 601 ofthe user ID 001.

Responsive to the icon 736 being tapped, the computing device 100acquires location information indicative of the location of thecomputing device 100 from the GPS circuitry 107, and sends the locationinformation along with a request for streaming of the selected mediaasset to the media-playing device 200 corresponding to the icon 736, tothe cloud server computer 500 (S2210).

Responsive to the location information and the request for streamingfrom the computing device 100, the cloud server computer 500 requeststhe media-playing device 200 for connection (S2061). Upon establishmentof connection (S2062), the cloud server computer 500 sends to themedia-playing device 200 an inquiry about the location of themedia-playing device 200 (S2211).

Responsive to the inquiry, the media-playing device 200 acquireslocation information indicative of the location of the media-playingdevice 200 from the GPS circuitry 307, and sends the locationinformation to the cloud server computer 500 (S2212).

Responsive to the location information from the media-playing device200, the cloud server computer 500 determines whether or not themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100 by comparingthe location information received from the computing device 100 and themedia-playing device 200 (S2213). The determination may be made, forexample, by determining whether or not the difference from the locationindicated by the location information received by the media-playingdevice 200 and that indicated by the location information received bythe computing device 100 is within a predetermined difference.

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be near the computingdevice 100 (S2213: Yes), the cloud server computer 500 starts streamingthe selected media asset to the media-playing device 200 (S2063), andstarts sending the progress information to the computing device 100(S2065).

On the other hand, if the media-playing device 200 is determined to benot near the computing device 100 (S2213: No), the cloud server computer500 sends to the computing device 100 a notification indicating that themedia-playing device 200 is far from the user and thus streaming to themedia-playing device 200 is unavailable (S2214). Responsive to thenotification, the computing device 100 displays, on the sensitivedisplay 102, a dialog 907, as illustrated in FIG. 31, for notifying theuser of the unavailability of streaming to the media-playing device 200(S2215). After S2215, the GUI for media-asset information remains(S2030).

Fourth Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 selected as thedestination of the streaming may be able to play only media assetgenerated pursuant to some specific format because the processor 301 hasonly a codec pursuant to the specific format. For example, themedia-playing device 200 might be able to play only one of audio andvisual media asset because the processor 301 has no codec for playingthe other. In such situation, streaming would be unavailable at theselected media-playing device 200 if the cloud server computer 500started streaming media asset unavailable to the selected media-playingdevice 200.

Therefore, in a fourth aspect of streaming, the cloud server computer500 determines availability of streaming.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the fourth aspect of streaming ofmedia assets. Some steps in the fourth aspect may be common to those inthe first aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer tothe common steps between the first and the fourth aspects.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 refers to the device information 601received at S2031, and pops up a dialog 734 for confirming thedestination of streaming as illustrated in FIG. 8J (S2050). The dialog734 contains icons representing devices listed in the received deviceinformation 601. In the example of FIG. 8J, the dialog 734 contains atappable icon 735 to select the computing device 100 labeled “HandheldDevice” and a tappable icon 736 to select the media-playing device 200labeled “Media Device”, with reference to the device information 601 ofthe user ID 001.

Responsive to the icon 736 being tapped, the computing device 100 sendsa request to the cloud server 500 for streaming of the selected mediaasset to the media-playing device 200 corresponding to the icon 736(S2060). Responsive to the request from the computing device 100, thecloud server computer 500 sends a request to the media-playing device200 for connection between the cloud server computer 500 and themedia-playing device 200 (S2061). Upon establishment of the connectionbetween the cloud server computer 500 and the media-playing device 200(S2062), the cloud server computer 500 sends to the media-playing device200 an inquiry whether or not the media-playing device 200 is able toplay the selected media asset (S2073) before starting streaming.

For example, the cloud server computer 500 may inquire the media-playingdevice 200 whether or not the format of the selected media asset isavailable at the media-playing device 200. The cloud server computer 500then receives a reply from the media-playing device 200 (S2074).

Responsive to a positive reply indicating that the media-playing device200 is able to play the selected media asset (S2075: Yes), the cloudserver computer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset to themedia-playing device 200 (S2063), and starts sending the progressinformation to the computing device 100 (S2065).

On the other hand, responsive to a negative reply indicating that themedia-playing device 200 is not able to play the selected media asset(S2075: No), the cloud server computer 500 sends to the computing device200 a notification indicating that the streaming to the selectedmedia-playing device 200 is unavailable (S2077).

Responsive to the notification, the computing device 100 displays on thesensitive display 102 a dialog 907 for notifying the user ofunavailability of streaming over the GUI for media-asset information, asillustrated in FIG. 31 (S2078). After S2078, the GUI for media-assetinformation remains (S2030).

Fifth Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 selected as thedestination of the streaming may be able to play only media assetgenerated pursuant to some specific format because the processor 301 hasonly a codec pursuant to the specific format. For example, the selectedmedia-playing device 200 might be able to play only one of audio andvisual media asset because the processor 301 has no codec for playingthe other. Streaming would be unavailable at the selected media-playingdevice 200 if the cloud server computer 500 started streaming mediaasset unavailable to the selected media-playing device 200. In suchsituation, it might be advantageous if the streaming were redirected tothe computing device 100 or another media-playing device 200 other thanthe selected media-playing device 200, if any.

Therefore, in a fifth aspect of streaming, the cloud server computer 500determines availability of streaming and performs redirection ifnecessary.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the fifth aspect of streaming ofmedia assets. Some steps in the fifth aspect may be common to those inthe first aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer tothe common steps between the first and the fifth aspects.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 refers to the device information 601received at S2031, and pops up a dialog 734 for confirming thedestination of streaming as illustrated in FIG. 8J (S2050). The dialog734 contains icons representing devices listed in the received deviceinformation 601. In the example of FIG. 8J, the dialog 734 contains atappable icon 735 to select the computing device 100 labeled “HandheldDevice” and a tappable icon 736 to select the media-playing device 200labeled “Media Device”, with reference to the device information 601 ofthe user ID 001.

Responsive to the icon 736 being tapped, the computing device 100 sendsa request to the cloud server 500 for streaming of the selected mediaasset to the media-playing device 200 corresponding to the icon 736(S2060). Responsive to the request from the computing device 100, thecloud server computer 500 sends a request to the selected media-playingdevice 200 for connection between the cloud server computer 500 and theselected media-playing device 200 (S2061). Upon establishment of theconnection between the cloud server computer 500 and the selectedmedia-playing device 200 (S2062), the cloud server computer 500 sends tothe selected media-playing device 200 an inquiry whether or not theselected media-playing device 200 is able to play the selected mediaasset (S2073) before starting streaming. The cloud server computer 500then receives a reply from the media-playing device 200 (S2074).

Responsive to a positive reply indicating that the selectedmedia-playing device 200 is able to play the selected media asset(S2095: Yes), the cloud server computer 500 starts streaming theselected media asset to the selected media-playing device 200 (S2063).

On the other hand, in S2095, responsive to a negative reply indicatingthat the selected media-playing device 200 is not able to play theselected media asset (S2095: No), the cloud server computer 500 refersto the device information 601 of the user data 600 to determine whetheror not another media-playing device 200 is registered in the deviceinformation 601 (S2096). For example, if the user has logged in with theuser ID 001, the cloud server computer 500 refers to the deviceinformation 601 of the user data 600 of the user ID 001.

If another media-playing device 200 is registered in the deviceinformation 601 (S2096: Yes), the cloud server computer 500 again sendsto said another media-playing device 200 an inquiry whether or not theanother media-playing device 200 is able to play the selected mediaasset (S2073). The cloud server computer 500 then receives a reply fromsaid another media-playing device 200 (S2074). Responsive to a positivereply from said another media-playing device 200 (S2095: Yes), the cloudserver computer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset to saidanother media-playing device 200 (S2060). Responsive to a negative replyagain (S2095: No), the cloud server computer 500 repeats S2073, S2074,S2095, and S2096, namely, refers to the device information 601 todetermine whether or not a media-playing device 200 capable of playingthe selected media asset is registered in the device information 601.

As a result of S2073, S2074, S2095, and S2096, if the cloud servercomputer 500 finds none of media-playing devices 200 registered in thedevice information 601 is able to play the selected media asset (S2096:No), the cloud server computer 500 then sends to the computing device200 a notification indicating that the streaming of the selected mediaasset is impossible at any of the registered devices 200 of the user(S2097).

Responsive to the notification, the computing device 100 displays on thesensitive display 102 a dialog 908 for notifying the user ofunavailability of streaming over the GUI for media-asset information, asillustrated in FIG. 31 (S2098). After S2098, the GUI for media-assetinformation remains (S2030).

FIG. 32 illustrates an example in which a plurality of media-playingdevices 200, namely, “Media Device 1” having the IP address ofddd.eee.fff and another “Media Device 2” having the IP address ofggg.hhh.iii, are registered in the device information 601. In theexample of FIG. 32, if the cloud server computer 500 receives a requestfor streaming the selected media asset to “Media Device 1” (S2060) butfinds that “Media Device 1” is not able to play the selected media asset(S2095: No), the cloud server computer 500 then inquires “Media Device2” whether or not the “Media Device 2” is able to play the selectedmedia asset (S2073, S2074, S2095). In case of a positive reply (S2095:Yes), the cloud server computer 500 starts streaming the selected mediaasset to “Media Device 2” (S2060). If the cloud server computer 500finds that none of “Media Device 1” and “Media Device 2” is able to playthe selected media asset (S2096: No), the cloud server computer 500sends the notification to the computing device 100 (S2097).

Sixth Aspect of Streaming

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a sixth aspect of streaming of themedia assets. Some steps in the sixth aspect may be common to those inthe first aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer tothe common steps between the first and the sixth aspects.

Back in the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8Eagain (S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored asthe user data 600 of the user, with reference to the informationreceived at S2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the userID 001, the list 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data600 of the user ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 liststhe media assets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 sends a request to the cloud servercomputer 500 for streaming of a selected media asset corresponding tothe tapped thumbnail (S2110). The request may include informationindicative of the selected media asset. Responsive to the request fromthe computing device 100, the cloud server computer 500 refers to thedevice information of the user of the computing device 100 to specify amedia-playing device 200 associated with the computing device 100(S2111). For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001,the cloud server computer 500 specifies a media-playing device 200 withreference to the device information 601 of the user ID 001.

The cloud server computer 500 then sends a request to the specifiedmedia-playing device 200 for connection between the cloud servercomputer 500 and the specified media-playing device 200 (S2061).Responsive to establishment of the connection between the cloud servercomputer 500 and the specified media-playing device 200 (S2062), thecloud server computer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset tothe specified media-playing device 200 (S2063), and starts sending theprogress information to the computing device 100 (S2066).

Seventh Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 may be far away from thecomputing device 100. Such case may occur, for example, when themedia-playing device 200 is installed at a living room of a user'shouse, but the user is outside the house with the computing device 100put in his/her pocket. In such situation, streaming should not bedirected to the media-playing device 200 responsive to a request fromthe computing device 100 because the user could not watch the streamedmedia.

Therefore, in a seventh aspect of streaming, the computing device 100lets the user request for streaming to the media-playing device 200 onlywhen the media-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the seventh aspect of streaming ofmedia assets. Some steps in the seventh aspect are common to those inthe sixth aspect. The common reference numbers are used to refer to thecommon steps between the sixth and the seventh aspects.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 activates the close-range communicationcircuitry 106 and communicates with the media-playing device 200 todetermine whether or not the media-playing device 200 is near thecomputing device 100 (S2200). The determination can be made, forexample, by sending a predetermined polling signal from the close-rangecommunication circuitry 106 to the close-range communication circuitry304 and determining whether or not the close-range communicationcircuitry 106 receives a reply signal from the close-range communicationcircuitry 304 in reply to the polling signal. If the reply signal issuccessfully received through the close-range communication circuitry106 within a predetermined period after the polling signal, theclose-range communication circuitry 106 and 304 can communicate witheach other, which means that the media-playing device 200 is near thecomputing device 100. If the reply signal is not received through theclose-range communication circuitry 106 within the predetermined periodafter the polling signal, the close-range communication circuitry 106and 304 cannot communicate with each other, which means that themedia-playing device 200 is not near the computing device 100.

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be near the computingdevice 100 (S2200: Yes), the computing device 100 sends a request to thecloud server computer 500 for streaming of a selected media assetcorresponding to the tapped thumbnail (S2110). Responsive to the requestfrom the computing device 100, the cloud server computer 500 refers tothe device information of the user of the computing device 100 tospecify a media-playing device 200 associated with the computing device100 (S2111). After S2111, upon establishment of connection between thecloud server computer 500 and the media-playing device 200 (S2061,S2062), the cloud server computer 500 starts streaming the selectedmedia asset to the specified media playing device 200 (S2063), andstarts sending the progress information to the computing device 100(S2064).

On the other hand, if the media-playing device 200 is determined to benot near the computing device 100 (S2200: No), the computing device 100does not send the request but displays, on the sensitive display 102, adialog 907, as illustrated in FIG. 31, for notifying the user that themedia-playing device 200 is far from the user and thus streaming to themedia-playing device 200 is unavailable (S2201).

Eighth Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 may be far away from thecomputing device 100. Such case may occur, for example, when themedia-playing device 200 is installed at a living room of a user'shouse, but the user is outside the house with the computing device 100put in his/her pocket. In such situation, streaming should not bedirected to the media-playing device 200 responsive to a request fromthe computing device 100 because the user could not watch the streamedmedia.

Therefore, in an eighth aspect of streaming, the cloud server computer500 allows streaming to the media-playing device 200 only when themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the eighth aspect of streaming ofmedia assets.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Responsive to a thumbnail being tapped, the computing device 100acquires location information indicative of the location of thecomputing device 100 from the GPS circuitry 107, and sends the locationinformation along with a request for streaming of the selected mediaasset corresponding to the tapped thumbnail, to the cloud servercomputer 500 (S2220).

Responsive to the location information and the request from thecomputing device 100, the cloud server computer 500 refers to the deviceinformation of the user of the computing device 100 to specify amedia-playing device 200 associated with the computing device 100(S2111).

Upon establishment of connection between the cloud server computer 500and the media-playing device 200 (S2061, S2062), the cloud servercomputer 500 sends to the media-playing device 200 an inquiry about thelocation of the media-playing device 200 (S2211).

Responsive to the inquiry, the media-playing device 200 acquireslocation information indicative of the location of the media-playingdevice 200 from the GPS circuitry 307, and sends the locationinformation to the cloud server computer 500 (S2212).

Responsive to the location information from the media-playing device200, the cloud server computer 500 determines whether or not themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100 by comparingthe location information received from the computing device 100 and themedia-playing device 200 (S2213).

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be near the computingdevice 100 (S2213: Yes), the cloud server computer 500 starts streamingthe selected media asset to the media-playing device 200 (S2063), andstarts sending the progress information to the computing device 100(S2065).

On the other hand, if the media-playing device 200 is determined to benot near the computing device 100 (S2213: No), the cloud server computer500 sends to the computing device 100 a notification indicating that themedia-playing device 200 is far from the user and thus streaming to themedia-playing device 200 is unavailable (S2214). Responsive to thenotification, the computing device 100 displays, on the sensitivedisplay 102, a dialog 907, as illustrated in FIG. 31, for notifying theuser of the unavailability of streaming to the media-playing device 200(S2215). After S2215, the GUI for media-asset information remains(S2030).

Ninth Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 specified as thedestination of the streaming may be able to play only media assetgenerated pursuant to some specific format because the processor 301 hasonly a codec pursuant to the specific format. For example, themedia-playing device 200 might be able to play only one of audio andvisual media asset because the processor 301 has no codec for playingthe other. In such situation, streaming would be unavailable at thespecified media-playing device 200 if the cloud server computer 500started streaming media asset unavailable to the specified media-playingdevice 200.

Therefore, in a ninth aspect of streaming, the cloud server computer 500determines availability of streaming.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the ninth aspect of streaming ofmedia assets. Some steps in the ninth aspect are common to those in thesixth aspect. The common reference numbers are used to refer to thecommon steps between the sixth and the ninth aspects. The ninth aspectof streaming may be preferable especially when two or more media-playingdevices 200 are registered associated with the computing device 100 inthe user data 600.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 sends a request to the cloud servercomputer 500 for streaming of a selected media asset (S2110). Responsiveto the request from the computing device 100, the cloud server computer500 the cloud server computer 500 refers to the device information 601of the user, and sends requests for connection to media-playing devices200 registered in the device information 601 (S2061). For example, ifthe user has logged in with the user ID 001, the cloud server computer500 refers to the device information 601 of the user ID 001. Therequests for connection may be sent to the media-playing devices 200 inseries.

Upon establishment of connection (S2062), the cloud server computer 500sends to each of the connected media-playing devices 200 an inquirywhether or not the media-playing device 200 is able to play the selectedmedia asset (S2073) before starting streaming. For example, the cloudserver computer 500 may inquire the media-playing devices 200 whether ornot the format of the selected media asset is available at themedia-playing devices 200. The cloud server computer 500 then receivesreplies from the media-playing devices 200 (S2074).

Responsive to the replies (S2075: Yes), the cloud server computer 500selects and specifies a media-playing device 200, as the destination ofstreaming, out of media-playing devices 200 that presented positivereplies indicating that they are able to play the selected media assetat S2074 (S2076). For example, if only one media-playing device 200replies positively at S2074, the cloud server computer 500 specifiessaid one media-playing device 200 at S2076. For example, if two or moremedia-playing devices 200 reply positively at S2074, the cloud servercomputer 500 may advantageously specify a media-playing device 200 withwhich the cloud server computer 500 can connect at the higherperformance, out of the positive media-playing devices 200. Theperformance may be determined, for example, from the bandwidth or theconnection speed available on the network 400. The cloud server computer500 then starts streaming the selected media asset to the specifiedmedia-playing device 200 (S2063), and starts sending the progressinformation to the computing device 100 (S2065).

In S2075, on the other hand, if every media-playing device 200 repliesnegatively indicating it is not able to play the selected media asset(S2075: No), the cloud server computer 500 sends to the computing device100 a notification indicating that streaming of the selected media assetis not available at any of the registered media-playing devices 200(S2077).

Responsive to the notification, the computing device 100 displays on thesensitive display 102 a dialog 908 for notifying the user ofunavailability of streaming over the GUI for media-asset information, asillustrated in FIG. 31 (S2078). After S2078, the GUI for media-assetinformation remains (S2030).

FIG. 32 illustrates an example in which two media-playing devices 200,namely, “Media Device 1” having the IP address of ddd.eee.fff andanother “Media Device 2” having the IP address of ggg.hhh.iii, areregistered in the device information 601. In the example of FIG. 32, thecloud server computer 500 inquires “Media Device 1” and “Media Device 2”(S2073, S2074). If, for example, only “Media Device 1” repliespositively at S2074, the cloud server computer 500 specifies “MediaDevice 1” as the streaming destination (S2076). If, for example, both of“Media Device 1” and “Media Device 2” reply positively at S2074, thecloud server computer 500 selects one of them as the streamingdestination (S2076). For example, if the cloud server computer findsthat it can connect to “Media Device 1” at a higher speed than to “MediaDevice 2”, the cloud server computer 500 may select “Media Device 1”. Ifthe cloud server computer 500 finds that none of “Media Device 1” and“Media Device 2” is able to play the selected media asset (S2075: No),the cloud server computer 500 sends the notification to the computingdevice 100 (S2077).

Modification to Ninth Aspect

The ninth aspect of streaming may be modified as follows. Instead of theinquiry and determination in S2073 and S2074, the cloud server computer500 may manage format information indicative of one or more availableformats in association with each registered media-playing device 200 inthe device information 601.

FIG. 34 illustrates device information 601 including informationindicative of available format in association with each registeredmedia-playing device 200. In the example of FIG. 34, the deviceinformation 601 shows that a media-playing device 200 labeled “MediaDevice 1” is able to play media asset with the format of “avi”, “mp3”,and “mpeg” and that a media-playing device 200 labeled “Media Device 2”is able to play media asset with the format of “mp3” only.

The format information in the device information 601 may be stored, forexample, by the user through the GUI for device registration asillustrated in FIG. 8D in S2023.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating streaming of media assets accordingto the modified ninth aspect of streaming.

In response to the request for streaming of the selected media asset(S2110), the cloud server computer 500 refers to the device information601 to determine whether or the registered media-playing devices 200associated with the computing device 100 are able to play the selectedmedia asset (S2160). More specifically, the cloud server computer 500may determine whether or not the format of the selected media asset isavailable at each of the media-playing devices 200.

If the cloud server computer 500 finds at least one positivemedia-playing devices 200 capable of playing the selected media asset(S2161: Yes), the cloud server computer 500 specifies a media-playingdevice 200 out of the positive devices 200 (S2076). The cloud servercomputer 500 then sends to the specified media-playing device 500 arequest for connection (S2061).

Upon establishment of connection (S2062), the cloud server computer 500then starts streaming the selected media asset to the specifiedmedia-playing device 200 (S2063).

If the cloud server computer 500 finds none of the registeredmedia-playing devices 200 is not able to play the selected media asset(S2161: No), the cloud server computer 500 sends to the computing device100 a notification indicating that streaming of the selected media assetis not available at any of the registered media-playing devices 200(S2162).

Responsive to the notification, the computing device 100 displays on thesensitive display 102 a dialog 908 for notifying the user ofunavailability of streaming over the GUI for media-asset information, asillustrated in FIG. 31 (S163). After S163, the GUI for media-assetinformation remains (S2030).

Tenth Aspect of Streaming

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 specified as thedestination of the streaming may be able to play only media assetgenerated pursuant to some specific format because the processor 301 hasonly a codec pursuant to the specific format. For example, themedia-playing device 200 might be able to play only one of audio andvisual media asset because the processor 301 has no codec for playingthe other. In such situation, streaming would be unavailable at thespecified media-playing device 200 if the cloud server computer 500started streaming media asset unavailable to the specified media-playingdevice 200.

Therefore, in a tenth aspect of streaming, the cloud server computer 500determines availability of streaming.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the tenth aspect of streaming ofmedia assets. Some steps in the tenth aspect are common to those in thesixth aspect. The common reference numbers are used to refer to thecommon steps between the sixth and the tenth aspects. The tenth aspectof streaming may be preferable when two or more media-playing devices200 are registered in association with the computing device 100 in theuser data 600.

In the GUI for media-asset information as illustrated in FIG. 8E again(S2030, S2031), the list 730 displays media assets 602 stored as theuser data 600 of the user, with reference to the information received atS2031. For example, if the user has logged in with the user ID 001, thelist 730 displays the media data 602 stored as the user data 600 of theuser ID 001. In the example of FIG. 8E, the list 730 lists the mediaassets 602 by way of thumbnails representing the media assets 602.

Through the GUI for media-asset information, the user can select one ofthe media assets 602 listed in the list 730 for making the cloud servercomputer 500 stream the selected media asset. For selection, the usercan tap a thumbnail corresponding to a media asset he/she selects toenjoy through the sensitive display 102. Responsive to a thumbnail beingtapped, the computing device 100 sends a request to the cloud servercomputer 500 for streaming of a selected media asset (S2110). Responsiveto the request from the computing device 100, the cloud server computer500 refers to the device information 601 of the user, and sends requestsfor connection to media-playing devices 200 registered in the deviceinformation 601 (S2061).

Upon establishment of connection (S2062), the cloud server computer 500inquires the registered media-playing devices 200 whether or not themedia-playing devices 200 are able to play the selected media asset(S2074) before starting streaming.

Responsive to the replies (S2075: Yes), the cloud server computer 500sends information indicative of one or more selectable media-playingdevices 200, which have given positively replies indicating that theyare able to play the selected media asset at S2074, to the computingdevice 100 (S2240). Each of the selectable media-playing devices 200 iscapable of playing the selected media asset, and thus streaming of theselected media asset should be directed to one of the selectablemedia-playing devices 200.

Responsive to the information (S2240), the computing device 100 pops upa dialog 909 for confirming the destination of streaming as illustratedin FIG. 33 (S2241). The dialog 909 contains icons representing theselectable media-playing devices 200. In the example of FIG. 33, thedialog 909 contains a tappable icon 911 representing “Media Device 1”and a tappable icon 912 representing “Media Device 2”, in addition to atappable icon 910 representing “Handheld Device”.

Responsive to, for example, the icon 912 being tapped through thesensitive display 102, the computing device 100 sends to the cloudserver computer 500 a request for streaming of the selected media assetto the “Media Device 2” (S2060).

Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 then startsstreaming the selected media asset to the requested media-playing device200 (S2063), and starts sending the progress information to thecomputing device 100 (S2065).

Back in S2075, on the other hand, if every media-playing device 200replies negatively indicating it is not able to play the selected mediaasset (S2075: No), the cloud server computer 500 sends to the computingdevice 100 a notification indicating that streaming of the selectedmedia asset is not available at any of the registered media-playingdevices 200 (S077).

Responsive to the notification, the computing device 100 displays on thesensitive display 102 a dialog 907 for notifying the user ofunavailability of streaming over the GUI for media-asset information, asillustrated in FIG. 31 (S2078). After S2078, the GUI for media-assetinformation remains (S2030).

Modification to Tenth Aspect

The tenth aspect of streaming may be modified as follows. Instead of theinquiry and determination in S2073 through S2075, the cloud servercomputer 500 may manage format information indicative of availableformat in association with each registered media-playing device 200 inthe device information 601.

FIG. 34 illustrates device information 601 including informationindicative of available format in association with each registeredmedia-playing device 200. In the example of FIG. 34, the deviceinformation 601 shows that a media-playing device 200 labeled “MediaDevice 1” is able to play media asset with the format of “avi”, “mp3”,and “mpeg” and that a media-playing device 200 labeled “Media Device 2”is able to play media asset with the format of “mp3” only.

The format information in the device information 601 may be stored, forexample, by the user through the GUI for device registration asillustrated in FIG. 8D in S2023.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating streaming of media assets accordingto the modified tenth aspect of streaming.

In response to the request for streaming of the selected media asset(S2110), the cloud server computer 500 refers to the device information601 to determine whether or the registered media-playing devices 200associated with the computing device 100 are able to play the selectedmedia asset (S2160).

If the cloud server computer 500 finds at least one selectablemedia-playing devices 200 capable of playing the selected media asset(S2161: Yes), the cloud server computer 500 sends to the computingdevice 100 information indicative of the selectable media-playingdevices 200 (S2240).

Responsive to the request at 52100, the cloud server computer 500 sendsto the requested media playing device 200 a request for connection(S2061). Upon establishment of connection (S2062), the cloud servercomputer 500 starts streaming the selected media asset to the requestedmedia-playing device 200 (S2063), and starts sending the progressinformation to the computing device 100 (S2065).

On the other hand, if the cloud server computer 500 finds none of theregistered media-playing devices 200 is not able to play the selectedmedia asset (S2161: No), the cloud server computer 500 sends to thecomputing device 100 a notification indicating that streaming of theselected media asset is not available at any of the registeredmedia-playing devices 200 (S2162).

Modification to Aspects

According to the third, fourth, eighth, and ninth aspects of streaming,if the cloud server computer 500 finds that streaming of the selectedmedia asset to the media-playing device 200 cannot be made (S2213: No,S2075: No), the cloud server computer 500 sends the notification (S2214,S2077).

Instead thereof, in S2214 and S2077, the cloud server computer 500 maystart streaming the selected media to the computer device 100. In otherwords, the cloud server computer 500 may redirect the streaming from themedia-playing device 200 to the computing device 100.

According to this modification, the computing device 100 may startplaying the streamed media asset in S2215 and S2078 instead ofdisplaying the notification.

Redirection of Streaming

While streaming the media asset after S2053 or S2063 according to theaspects of streaming, the cloud server computer 500 may change thestreaming destination, namely, redirect the streaming responsive to apredetermined operation made by a user.

First Aspect of Redirection

While streaming the media asset after S2053 according to the firstaspect of streaming, the cloud server computer 500 may redirectstreaming of the media asset from the computing device 100 to themedia-playing device 200 responsive to a predetermined operation beingmade by a user through the sensitive display 102.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating redirection of streaming responsiveto a user's operation.

While the media asset is streamed to the computing device 100 (S2053),the computing device 100 can receive a predetermined operation by theuser made onto the sensitive display 102. For example, the predeterminedoperation may be to tap on a predetermined icon 920 that appears withthe graphical menu on the sensitive display 102, as illustrated in FIG.52. In this example, the computing device 100 receives the predeterminedoperation if the sensitive display 102 detects a tap made onto the icon920. In another example, the predetermined operation may be apredetermined gesture by an object like the user's finger made onto orabove the sensitive display 102. The computer device 100 receives thepredetermined operation if the sensitive display 102 detects the gestureby continuously detecting hover of the user's finger above the sensitivedisplay 102 or continuously detecting a movement of the finger while atap is maintained on the sensitive display 102. FIG. 53 illustrates anexemplary gesture consisting of a left-to-right “drag” or “flick”movement of the finger 800 on the sensitive display 102.

Responsive to the predetermined operation (S2800), the computing device100 sends a request to the cloud server computer 500 for redirection ofstreaming (S2801).

Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 sends a requestto the media-playing device 200 for connection with the cloud servercomputing device 500 (S2061). Upon establishment of connection (S2062),the cloud server computer 500 stops the ongoing streaming of the mediaasset to the computing device 100 (S2803), and instead, starts streamingthe media asset to the media-playing device 200 (S2804). In other words,the cloud server computer 500 redirects the streaming from the computingdevice 100 to the media-playing device 200. More specifically, in S2804,the cloud server computer 500 may preferably start streaming the mediaasset at a temporal or chronological point at which the streaming hasbeen stopped in S2803 within the duration of the media asset.

Upon starting the streaming to the media-playing device 200 (S2084), thecloud server computer 500 starts sending the progress information to thecomputing device 100 (S2065).

In the course of the redirection of streaming, the computing device 100stops playing the media asset (S2802). In S2802, the computing device100 may voluntarily stop playing the media asset responsive to sendingthe request in S2801, or may naturally stop playing the media asset dueto absence of the media asset streamed from the cloud server computer500 after S2803.

Thanks to the redirection of streaming, the user is able to continueenjoying playing, at the media-playing device 200, the media asset theuser enjoyed playing at the computing device 100. This may beadvantageous, for example, in a situation where the user returns tohis/her house in which the media-playing device 200 is installed fromoutside where he/she played the media asset at the computing device 100carried by him/her.

Second Aspect of Redirection

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 may be far away from thecomputing device 100. Such case may occur, for example, when the usererroneously performs the predetermined operation when he/she is outsidefar away from his/her house where the media-playing device 200 isinstalled. In such situation, streaming should not be redirected fromthe computing device 100 to the media-playing device 200 because theuser could not continue watching or listening to the media asset playedat the media-playing device 200.

Therefore, in a second aspect of redirection, the computing device 100requests for the redirection only when the media-playing device 200 isnear the computing device 100.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating the second aspect of redirection ofstreaming. Some steps in the second aspect may be common to those in thefirst aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer to thecommon steps between the first and the second aspects.

In the second aspect, responsive to the predetermined operation (S2800),the computing device 100 activates the close-range communicationcircuitry 106 and tries to communicate with the media-playing device 200to determine whether or not the media-playing device 200 is near thecomputing device 100 (S2200). The determination can be made, forexample, by sending a predetermined polling signal from the close-rangecommunication circuitry 106 to the close-range communication circuitry304 and determining whether or not the close-range communicationcircuitry 106 receives a reply signal from the close-range communicationcircuitry 304 in reply to the polling signal. If the reply signal issuccessfully received through the close-range communication circuitry106 within a predetermined period after the polling signal, theclose-range communication circuitry 106 and 304 can communicate witheach other, which means that the media-playing device 200 is near thecomputing device 100. If the reply signal is not received through theclose-range communication circuitry 106 within the predetermined periodafter the polling signal, the close-range communication circuitry 106and 304 cannot communicate with each other, which means that themedia-playing device 200 is not near the computing device 100.

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be near the computingdevice 100 (S2200: Yes), the computing device 100 sends the request tothe cloud server computer 500 for redirection of streaming (S2801) sothat the cloud server computer 500 stops the ongoing streaming andstarts streaming to the media-playing device 200 (S2803, S2804).

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be not near thecomputing device 100 (S2200: No), the computing device 100 does not sendthe request but displays, along with the graphical menu on the sensitivedisplay 102, a dialog 921, as illustrated in FIG. 54, for notifying theuser that the media-playing device 200 is far from the user and thusredirection of streaming is unavailable (S2805).

Third Aspect of Redirection

It is assumable that a media-playing device 200 may be far away from thecomputing device 100. Such case may occur, for example, when the usererroneously performs the predetermined operation when he/she is outsidefar away from his/her house where the media-playing device 200 isinstalled. In such situation, streaming should not be redirected fromthe computing device 100 to the media-playing device 200 because theuser could not continue watching or listening to the media asset playedat the media-playing device 200.

Therefore, in a third aspect of redirection, the cloud server computer500 performs the redirection only when the media-playing device 200 isnear the computing device 100.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating the third aspect of redirection ofstreaming. Some steps in the third aspect may be common to those in thefirst aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer to thecommon steps between the first and the third aspects.

In the third aspect, responsive to the predetermined operation (S2800),the computing device 100 acquires location information indicative of thelocation of the computing device 100 from the GPS circuitry 107, andsends the location information along with the request for redirection ofstreaming to the cloud server computer 500 (S2806).

Responsive to the location information and the request for redirectionof streaming from the computing device 100, the cloud server computer500 requests the media-playing device 200 for connection (S2061). Uponestablishment of connection (S2062), the cloud server computer 500 sendsto the media-playing device 200 an inquiry about the location of themedia-playing device 200 (S2211).

Responsive to the inquiry, the media-playing device 200 acquireslocation information indicative of the location of the media-playingdevice 200 from the GPS circuitry 307, and sends the locationinformation to the cloud server computer 500 (S2212).

Responsive to the location information from the media-playing device200, the cloud server computer 500 determines whether or not themedia-playing device 200 is near the computing device 100 by comparingthe location information received from the computing device 100 and themedia-playing device 200 (S2213). The determination may be made, forexample, by determining whether or not the difference between thelocation indicated by the location information received by themedia-playing device 200 and that indicated by the location informationreceived by the computing device 100 is within a predetermineddifference.

If the media-playing device 200 is determined to be near the computingdevice 100 (S2213: Yes), the cloud server computer 500 stops the ongoingstreaming to the computing device 100 (S2803), and starts streaming themedia asset to the media-playing device 200 (S2804).

On the other hand, if the media-playing device 200 is determined to benot near the computing device 100 (S2213: No), the cloud server computer500, without stopping the ongoing streaming, sends to the computingdevice 100 a notification indicating that the media-playing device 200is far from the user and thus the redirection is unavailable (S2807).Responsive to the notification, the computing device 100 displays, alongwith the graphical menu on the sensitive display 102, a dialog 921, asillustrated in FIG. 54, for notifying the user of the unavailability ofredirection of streaming (S2808). After S2808, the GUI for media-assetinformation remains (S2030).

Fourth Aspect of Redirection

It is assumable that a plurality of media-playing devices 200 areregistered in the device information 601 as illustrated in FIG. 32 orFIG. 34. In such case, it is preferable for a user to select amedia-playing device 200 to which a streaming is redirected.

Therefore, in a fourth aspect of redirection, the cloud server computer500 makes the computing device 100 allow a user to select amedia-playing device 200 as the destination of redirection.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating the fourth aspect of redirection ofstreaming. Some steps in the fourth aspect may be common to those in thefirst aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer to thecommon steps between the first and the fourth aspects.

In the fourth aspect, responsive to the request for redirection ofstreaming (S2801), the cloud server computer 500 determines whether ornot the device information 601 registers a plurality of media-playingdevices 200 associated with the computing device 100, with reference tothe device information 601 (S2810).

If a plurality of media-playing devices 200 are registered in the deviceinformation 601 (S2810: YES), the cloud server computer 500 sends thedevice information 601 to the computing device 100 (S2811). Responsiveto the device information 601 sent from the cloud server computer 500,the computing device 100 displays, along with the graphical menu on thesensitive display 102, a dialog 922, as illustrated in FIG. 55, forpresenting a list of the media-playing devices 200 registered in thedevice information 601 with reference to the device information 601(S2812). The dialog 922 may contain tappable icons corresponding to themedia-playing devices 200 for selection of one of the devices 200. Forexample, the dialog 922 illustrated in FIG. 55 contains icons 923 and924 corresponding respectively to “Media Device 1” and “Media Device 2”registered in the device information 601 according to the exampleillustrated in FIG. 32 or FIG. 34. While displaying the dialog 922, thecomputing device 100 receives a user's selection of one of the presenteddevices 200 by way of tapping on one of the icons 923 and 934.Responsive to an icon being tapped, the computing device 100 sends tothe cloud server computer 500 information indicative of a selectedmedia-playing device 200 corresponding to the tapped icon (S2813).

Responsive to the information indicative of a selected media-playingdevice 200 from the computing device 100, the cloud server computer 500sends a request to the selected media-playing device 200 for connectionwith the cloud server computing device 500 (S2061). Upon establishmentof connection (S2062), the cloud server computer 500 stops the ongoingstreaming of the media asset to the computing device 100 (S2803), andinstead, starts streaming the media asset to the media-playing device200 (S2804).

Back in S2810, if just one media-playing device 200 is registered in thedevice information 601 (S2810: NO), the cloud server computer 500 mayconnect to the media-playing device 200 soon without sending the deviceinformation 601 to the computing device 100.

Thanks to the fourth aspect of redirection, streaming of the selectedmedia asset can be redirected to one of the registered media-playingdevices 200 through which the user wants to enjoy the streaming.

Some modifications can be applied to the fourth aspect of redirection.For example, the cloud server computer 500 does not need to make thedetermination in S2810 before sending the device information 601 inS2811. Instead, the cloud server computer 500 may send the deviceinformation 601 to the computing device 100 regardless of whether aplurality of media-playing devices 200 are registered or just onemedia-playing device 200 is registered in the device information 601, inresponse to the request for redirection in S2801.

Fifth Aspect of Redirection

It is assumable that a plurality of media-playing devices 200 areregistered in the device information 601 as illustrated in FIG. 32 orFIG. 34. In such case, it is preferable for a user to select amedia-playing device 200 to which a streaming is redirected.

Therefore, in a fifth aspect of redirection, the computing device 100allows a user to select a media-playing device 200 as the destination ofredirection.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating the fifth aspect of redirection ofstreaming. Some steps in the fifth aspect may be common to those in thefirst aspect. The common reference numbers may be used to refer to thecommon steps between the first and the fifth aspects.

In the fifth aspect, the computing device 100 preliminarily stores thedevice information 601 received in S2031 before the streaming wasinitiated, in the memory 104 (S2820).

While the streaming is ongoing to the computing device 100 (S2053), thecomputing device 100 generates one or more guides which are associatedwith one or more devices other than the computing device 100 registeredin the device information 601 and which are also associated with givendirections, to display the generated guides on the sensitive display 102(S28221), with reference to the stored device information 601. Indetail, each guide is associated with each media-playing device 200registered in the device information 601. The guides are also associatedwith directions which are different from each other. Each directionrepresents the direction in which the movement of an object like theuser's finger should be made to form a gesture for request forredirection. For example, with reference to the device information 601as illustrated in FIG. 32 or FIG. 34, the computing device 100 maygenerate a first guide 928 associated with the left direction and withthe “Media Device 1”, and a second guide 929 associated with the rightdirection and with the “Media Device 2”, to display the guides 928 and929 as illustrated in FIG. 57. The guide 928 shows that a gestureconsisting of a right-to-left “drag” or “flick” movement of an objectlike the user's finger 800 on or above the screen initiates the requestfor redirection to the “Media Device 1”, whereas the guide 929 showsthat a gesture consisting of a left-to-right “drag” or “flick” movementof an object like the user's finger 800 on or above the screen initiatesthe request for redirection to the “Media Device 2”. The guides may bedisplayed along with the graphical menu on the screen as illustrated inFIG. 57.

While displaying the guides (S2821), the computing device 100 receives auser's operation of the gestures defined by the guides (S2822). In theexample of FIG. 57, the computing device 100 receives the user'sgestures of his/her finger 800 moving on or above the screen in the leftor right directions.

Responsive to the user's operation received in S2822, the computingdevice 100 determines a media-playing device 200 as the destination ofredirection (S2823). In the example of FIG. 57, the computing device 100determines the “Media Device 1” to be the redirection destinationresponsive to receiving the user's gesture of moving his/her finger fromthe right to the left on or above the screen, whereas the computingdevice 100 determines the “Media Device 2” to be the redirectiondestination responsive to receiving the user's gesture of moving his/herfinger from the left to the right on or above the screen.

Then, the computing device 100 sends to the cloud server computer 500 arequest for redirection to the determined media-playing device 200,namely, the “Media Device 1” or the “Media Device 2” in the example ofFIG. 57.

Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 establishesconnection with the requested media-playing device 200 (S2061, S2062).Upon establishment of connection, the cloud server computer 500 stopsthe ongoing streaming to the computing device 100 (S2803), and insteadstarts streaming the media asset to the connected media-playing device200 (S2804).

Modifications

Some modifications may be applied to the above aspects of redirection ofstreaming. For example, although the aspects illustratively show thatthe cloud server computer 500 performs the redirection when the mediaasset is streamed to the computing device according to S2053, the cloudserver computer 500 may perform the redirection when the media asset isstreamed to the media-playing device 200 according to S2063 as well.

In one modified aspect, as well as in the first aspect, the cloud servercomputer 500 may receive the request for redirection (S2801) sent fromthe computing device 100 responsive to the predetermined operation(S2800) while the streaming is ongoing to the media-playing device 200(S2063). Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 maystop the ongoing streaming and instead start streaming the media assetto the computing device 100.

In another modified aspect, as well as the fourth aspect, the cloudserver computer 500 may receive the request for redirection (S2801) sentfrom the computing device 100 responsive to the predetermined operation(S2800) while the streaming is ongoing to the media-playing device 200(S2063). Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 maysend the device information 601 to the computing device 100 (S2811) sothat the computing device 100 may display the dialog for selection ofthe computing device 100 or another media-playing device 200 if any,other than the media-playing device 200 to which the streaming isongoing, with reference to the device information 601 (S2812). Forexample, the computing device 100 may display the dialog 922 containingthe icon 923 representing the “Handheld Device” and the icon 924representing the “Media Device 2” as illustrated in FIG. 56, withreference to the device information according to the example asillustrated in FIG. 32 or FIG. 34. Then, responsive to receivinginformation indicating that the computing device 100 is selected(S2813), the cloud server computer 500 may stop the ongoing streamingand instead start streaming the media asset to the computing device 100.Or, responsive to receiving information indicating that said anothermedia-playing device 200 is selected (S2813), the cloud server computer500 may stop the ongoing streaming and instead start streaming the mediaasset to said another media-playing device 200.

In further another modified aspect, as well as in the fifth aspect, thecomputing device 100 may display the guides with reference to the deviceinformation 601 preliminarily stored in the memory 104 while thestreaming is ongoing to the media-playing device 200 (S2821). The guidesmay be associated with the computing device 100 and anothermedia-playing device 200 if any, other than the media-playing device 200to which the streaming is ongoing. For example, the guide 928 associatedwith the computing device 100 and the guide 929 associated with saidanother media-playing device 200 may be displayed as illustrated in FIG.58, with reference to the device information 601 according to theexample as illustrated in FIG. 32 or FIG. 34. Then, responsive toreceiving the request for redirection to the computing device 100determined in S2822 based on the right-to-left movement gesture (S2823),the cloud server computer 500 may stop the ongoing streaming and insteadstart streaming the media asset to the computing device 100. Or,responsive to receiving the request for redirection to said anothermedia-playing device 200 determined in S2822 based on the left-to-rightmovement gesture (S2823), the cloud server computer 500 may stop theongoing streaming and instead start streaming the media asset to saidanother media-playing device 200.

Operation During Streaming

While the media asset streaming is in progress in accordance with one ofthe first to tenth aspects of streaming, the cloud server computer 500can operate the streaming responsive to a request from the computingdevice 100 (S2057, S2068). Details of the operation are described below.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are flowcharts illustrating how the cloud servercomputer 500 operates while streaming is in progress to the computingdevice 100 according to S2053.

While the media asset is streamed to the computing device 100 accordingto S2053, in case of response to the request for pause of the streamingby way of the icon 902 being tapped in S2056 (S2300), the cloud servercomputer 500 pauses the ongoing streaming (S2301). The cloud servercomputer 500 then sends an acknowledgement to the computing device 100(S2302). After the acknowledgement, the computing device 100 can send tothe cloud server computer 500 for restart of the paused streamingresponsive to the icon 902 being tapped (S2303). Responsive to therequest for restart, the cloud server computer 500 then restarts thestreaming of the media asset again (S2304).

In case of response to the request for stop of the streaming by way ofthe icon 901 being tapped in S2056 (S2310), the cloud server computer500 stops the ongoing streaming (S2311). The cloud server computer 500then sends an acknowledgement to the computing device 100 (S2312).Responsive to the acknowledgement, the computing device 100 returns toS2030, namely, starts displaying the GUI for media-asset informationagain as illustrated in FIG. 8E (S2030).

FIGS. 37 and 38 are flowcharts illustrating how the cloud servercomputer 500 operates while streaming is in progress to themedia-playing device 200 according to S2063 or S2804.

While the media asset is streamed to the media-playing device 200according to S2063 or S2804, in case of response to the request forpause of the streaming by way of the icon 902 being tapped in S2067(S2400), the cloud server computer 500 pauses the ongoing streaming(S2401) and pauses the transmission of intermittent progress informationto the computing device 100 (S2402). Upon pausing the streaming and theintermittent progress information (S2401, S2402), the cloud servercomputer 500 sends an acknowledgement to the computing device 100(S2403). After the acknowledgement, the computing device 100 can send tothe cloud server computer 500 for restart of the paused streamingresponsive to the icon 902 being tapped again (S2404). Responsive to therequest for restart, the cloud server computer 500 restarts thestreaming of the media asset again to the media-playing device 200(S2405) as well as restarts the transmission of intermittent progressinformation to the computing device 100 (S2406).

In case of response to the request for stop of the streaming by way ofthe icon 901 being tapped in S2067 (S2410), the cloud server computer500 stops the ongoing streaming (S2411) and stops the transmission ofintermittent progress information (S2412). Upon stopping the streamingand the intermittent progress information (S2411, S2412), the cloudserver computer 500 stores a stop point indicative of a temporal orchronological point at which the streaming is stopped within theduration of the media asset (S2413). The cloud server computer 500stores the stop point in association with the stopped media asset as theuser data 600 corresponding to the logged-in user ID. The cloud servercomputer 500 will start streaming of the once-stopped media asset at thestop point stored in association with the media asset responsive torequest for streaming the once-stopped media asset again from thecomputing device 100. Assuming that the streaming is stopped at themoment illustrated in FIG. 28, the cloud server computer 500 stores astop point indicative of eight minutes and twenty-seven seconds withinthe sixty minute duration in association with “Movies01.avi” as the userdata 600 of the user ID 001, and the cloud server computer 500 willstart streaming “Movies01.avi” at eight minutes and twenty-seven secondsresponsive to request for streaming “Movie01.avi” again from thecomputing device 100.

Also, upon stopping the streaming and the intermittent progressinformation (S2411, S2412), the cloud server computer 500 sends anacknowledgement to the computing device 100 (2414). Responsive to theacknowledgement, the computing device 100 returns to S2030, namely,starts displaying the GUI for media-asset information again asillustrated in FIG. 8E (S2030).

Connection Monitoring

While streaming the media asset according to S2063 or S2804, in additionto the streaming to the media-playing device 200, the cloud servercomputer 500 may continuously monitor connection between the cloudserver computer 500 and the computing device 100, as illustrated in FIG.39 (S2500). The monitoring of connection may be made by, for example,sending polling signals intermittently from the cloud server computer500 to the computing device 100. As long as the cloud server computer500 receives an acknowledgement from the computing device 100 in replyto the polling signals, the cloud server computer 500 determines thatthe connection is kept established between the computing device 100 andthe cloud server computer 500. If the cloud server computer 500 does notreceive an acknowledgement from the computing device 100 in reply to thepolling signals, the cloud server computer 500 determines that thecomputing device 100 and the cloud server computer 500 have beendisconnected from each other for some reason. Note that the cloud servercomputer 500 may become disconnected from the computing device 100 if,for example, the computing device 100 has been powered off or has beencarried by the user to some place where the computing device 100 cannotwirelessly communicate over the network 400 via the communicationcircuitry 103.

Responsive to determining that the cloud server computer 500 and thecomputing device 100 have been disconnected from each other (S2500: No),the cloud server computer 500 stops the ongoing streaming of the mediaasset (S2501) and stops the transmission of intermittent progressinformation (S2502). Upon stopping the streaming and the intermittentprogress information (S2501, S2502), the cloud server computer 500stores a stop point indicative of a temporal or chronological point atwhich the streaming is stopped within the duration of the media asset(S2503). The cloud server computer 500 stores the stop point inassociation with the stopped media asset as the user data 600corresponding to the logged-in user ID. The cloud server computer 500will start streaming of the once-stopped media asset at the stop pointstored in association with the media asset responsive to request forstreaming the once-stopped media asset again from the computing device100. Assuming that the streaming is stopped at the moment illustrated inFIG. 28, the cloud server computer 500 stores a stop point indicative ofeight minutes and twenty seven seconds within the sixty minute durationin association with “Movies01.avi” as the user data 600 of the user ID001, and the cloud server computer 500 will start streaming“Movies01.avi” at the time of eight minutes and twenty seven secondsresponsive to request for streaming “Movie01.avi” again from thecomputing device 100.

Thanks to S2500 through S2503, if the cloud server computer 500 becomesunable to receive requests from the computing device 100 and so thestreaming of the media asset may become out of control, the streamingautomatically stops. Accordingly, the media asset can be avoided frombeing streamed out of control in case of some communication troublebetween the computing device 100 and the cloud server computer 500.

Similar to the cloud server computer 500, the computing device 100 mayalso continuously monitor connection between the computing device 100and the cloud server computer 500, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (S2600).The monitoring of connection may be made by, for example, determiningreception of the progress information intermittently sent from the cloudserver computer 500. As long as the computing device 100 succeeds inreceiving the progress information, the computing device 100 maydetermine the connection is kept established between the computingdevice 100 and the cloud server computer 500. If the computing device100 fails to receive the progress information, the computing device 100may determine that the computing device 100 and the cloud servercomputer 500 have been disconnected from each other for some reason.

Responsive to determining that the cloud server computer 500 and thecomputing device 100 have been disconnected from each other (S2600: No),the computing device 100 displays a dialog 905 for notifying the user ofthe disconnection and that the user can no longer operate the streamingthrough the computing device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 41 (S2601).

Further, while streaming the media asset according to S2063 or S2804, inaddition to the streaming to the media-playing device 200, the cloudserver computer 500 may continuously monitor connection between thecloud server computer 500 and the media-playing device 200, asillustrated in FIG. 40 (S2700). The monitoring of connection may be madeby, for example, receiving acknowledgements responsive to the streamingof the media asset from the media-playing device 200, or by sendingpolling signals intermittently from the cloud server computer 500 to themedia-playing device 200. As long as the cloud server computer 500receives an acknowledgement in reply to the streaming or to the pollingsignals from the media-playing device 200, the cloud server computer 500may determine that the connection is kept established between themedia-playing device 200 and the cloud server computer 500. If the cloudserver computer 500 does not receive an acknowledgement in reply to thestreaming or polling signals from the media-playing device 200, thecloud server computer 500 may determine that the media-playing device200 and the cloud server computer 500 have been disconnected from eachother for some reason. Note that the cloud server computer 500 maybecome disconnected from the media-playing device 200 if, for example,the media-playing device 200 has been powered off, or a LAN cable hasbeen removed from the communication circuitry 302.

Responsive to determining that the cloud server computer 500 and themedia-playing device 200 have been disconnected from each other (S2700:No), the cloud server computer 500 stops the ongoing streaming of themedia asset to the media-playing device 200 (S2701), and instead, startsstreaming the media asset to the computing device 100 (S2702). In otherwords, the cloud server computer 500 redirects the streaming from themedia-playing device 200 to the computing device 100. More specifically,in S2702, the cloud server computer 500 starts streaming the media assetat a temporal or chronological point at which the streaming has beenstopped within the duration of the media asset in S2701.

Responsive to the redirection, the computing device 100 pops up a dialog906 for notifying the user of the redirection as illustrated in FIG. 42(S2703), and then starts playing the streamed media asset (S2704) aswell as starts displaying the operation menu (S2705) as illustrated inFIG. 27.

Thanks to S2700 through S2705, if the media-playing device 200 becomesunable to receive streamed media asset, the streaming can be recoveredat the computing device 100. Accordingly, the user can continue to enjoyplaying the media asset in case of some communication trouble betweenthe media-playing device 200 and the cloud server computer 500.

Detailed Embodiments of Media Playing Device

The media-playing device 200 can be embodied in any manner as long as itis configured to play media assets.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the media-playing device 200 maybe a desktop television having a display unit and a loudspeaker unit asthe output unit 303. The display unit may display graphics and videogenerated as a result of visual media assets being played at theprocessor 301, whereas the loudspeaker unit may output sound generatedas a result of audio media assets being played at the processor 301. Inthe example of FIG. 29, the desktop television 200 is displaying videoof the media asset “Movie01.avi” on the display unit as well asoutputting sound of the media asset “Movie01.avi” from the loudspeakerunit, the video and the sound both being generated as a result of themedia asset “Movie01.avi” being played.

In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the media-playing device200 may be a desktop loudspeaker having a loudspeaker unit as the outputunit 303. The loudspeaker unit may output sound generated as a result ofaudio media asset being played at the processor 301. In the example ofFIG. 30, the desktop loudspeaker 200 is outputting sound of the mediaasset “LoveSong01.mp3” from the loudspeaker unit, the sound beinggenerated as a result of the media asset “LoveSong01.mp3” being played.

Other examples of the media-playing device 200 may include ahead-mounted display, a digital signage, a video projector, and thelikes.

Media-playing devices having capability of connecting network aredisclosed, for example, in the U.S. patent publications Nos.US2012-36525 entitled “Unified User Interface for Viewing DesiredMulti-media Content on an Internet Television”, US2012-36524 entitled“System and Method for Social Network”, US2009-316688 entitled “Methodfor Controlling Advanced Multimedia Features and Supplementary Servicesin Sip-based Phones and a System Employing Thereof”, U.S. Pat. No.8,074,248 entitled “System and method for providing video contentassociated with a source image to a television in a communicationnetwork”, US2011-47568 entitled “TV User Interface with RecommendedContent Entry in Favorites Menu”, US2009-217323 entitled “ExpandedPlaylist for TV Video Player”, and US2008-51917 entitled “Network AudioSpeaker System”, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

Modification to Embodiment Modification 1

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 15 to 26, a connectionbetween the cloud server computer 500 and the media-playing device 200is requested (S2061) in response to a streaming request from thecomputing device 100 (S2060, S2210, S2110, S2220).

Instead thereof, a connection between the cloud server computer 500 andthe media-playing device 200 may be requested in response to the loginprocess in S2009.

According to this modified embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 43,responsive to accepting a login from the computing device 100 in S2009,the cloud server computer 500 specifies one or more media-playingdevices 200 associated with the computing device 100 with reference tothe device information 601 (S4000). For example, if the user has loggedin with the user ID 001, the cloud server computer 500 refers to thedevice information 601 as the user data 600 of the user ID 001. Then,the cloud server computer 500 sends to the specified media-playingdevice 200 a request for connection between the media-playing device 200and the cloud server computer 500 (S4001). Upon establishment of theconnection (S4002), the cloud server computer 500 sends the notificationof acceptance of login to the computing device 100 (S2011).

Or, as illustrated in FIG. 44, responsive to accepting a login from thecomputing device 100 in S2009, the cloud server computer 500, as well assending the notification of acceptance of login in S2011, specifies oneor more media-playing devices 200 associated with the computing device100 with reference to the device information 601 (S4000), and requeststhe specified media-playing device 200 for connection (S4001). In otherwords, specifying and connecting to the media-playing device 200 inS4000 through S4002 may be performed in parallel to or soon aftersending the notification in S2011.

Advantageously, according to the modified embodiment, connection betweenthe cloud server computer 500 and the media-playing device 200 isestablished at a time from the acceptance of login (S2009) until thestart of streaming (S2063). the connection establishment process inS2061 and S2062 may be unnecessary upon the streaming request in S2060,S2210, S2110, or S2220 because connection between the cloud servercomputer 500 and the media-playing device 200 may be alreadyestablished, at the time of the streaming request, in accordance withthe connection process in S4000 through S4002. Therefore, in themodified embodiment, the cloud server computer 500 may start streamingquickly without the connection establishment process (S2061, S2062)after the request for streaming from the computing device 100.

Modification 2

As discussed above with reference to FIG. 9, a request for connection tothe cloud server computer 500 is sent from the computing device 100, andthe login process is initiated by the computing device 100 through thelogin GUI as illustrated in FIG. 8A.

Instead thereof, the request may be sent from the media-playing device200, and the login process may be initiated by the media-playing device200 through a GUI at the media-playing device 200.

According to this modified embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 45, themedia-playing device 200 sends to the cloud server computer 500 arequest for connection between the media-playing device 200 and thecloud server computer 500 (S3000).

Upon establishment of the connection (S3001), the media-playing device200 displays on the output unit 303 a login GUI for login to the cloudserver computer 500 (S3002). As illustrated in FIG. 46, the login GUImay contain a login ID input field 700, a password input field 701, anda button 702. The media-playing device 200 receives user inputs of alogin ID and a password in the fields 700 and 701 as well as receivespressing the button 702. The pressing may be accomplished by the user'stapping on the button 702 through the output unit 301 if the output unit301 includes a sensitive display capable of detecting taps as similar tothe sensitive display 102. Or, if the media-playing device 200 iscoupled to an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a remotecommander, and the likes, the pressing may be accomplished by the user'sclicking or selecting the button 702 through the input device.

Responsive to the button 702 being pressed (S3003), the media-playingdevice 200 sends to the cloud server computer 500 a request for loginwith the inputted user ID and the password (S3004).

The cloud server computer 500 then accepts the requested login (S3006)if the user ID and the password are registered together as the user data600 (S3005: Yes). If the user ID and the password are not registered(S3005: No), the cloud server computer 500 does not accept the requestedlogin, and notifies the media-playing device 200 of failure to login(S3007).

Responsive to the login being permitted (S3006), the cloud servercomputer 500 specifies a computing device 100 associated with themedia-playing device 200 with reference to the device information 601 ofthe logged-in user (S3008). For example, if the user has logged in withthe user ID 001, the cloud server computer 500 refers to the deviceinformation 601 of the user ID 001. Then, the cloud server computer 500sends to the specified computing device 100 a request for connectionbetween the cloud server computer 500 and the computing device 100(S3009).

Upon establishment of connection between the cloud server computer 500and the computing device 100 (S3010), the process proceeds to S2020 asillustrated in FIG. 10. Namely, the cloud server computer 500 sends tothe computing device 100 the device information 601 stored as the userdata 600 (S2021), and then the computing device 100 displays the GUI forregistration information as illustrated in FIG. 8C with reference to thedevice information 601 (S2020).

The S3000 through S3010 are executed instead of S2002 through S2009illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. After S3010, the process proceeds toS2020 and continues as illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 26.

Advantageously, according to the modified embodiment, the connectionestablishment process in S2061 and S2062 may be unnecessary upon thestreaming request in S2060, S2210, S2110, or S2220 because connectionbetween the cloud server computer 500 and the media-playing device 200may be already established, at the time of the streaming request, inaccordance with the connection process in S3000 and S3001. Therefore, inthe modified embodiment, the cloud server computer 500 may startstreaming quickly without the connection establishment process after therequest for streaming from the computing device 100.

Second Embodiment Summary

In a second embodiment, the cloud server computer 500 presents to themedia-playing device 200 information indicative of the stored mediaassets. The media-playing device 200 transfers to the computing device100 the received information. The computing device 100 displays a listof the media assets based on the information, and receives selection ofa media asset from the user to send the selection result back to themedia-playing device 200. Responsive to the selection result, themedia-playing device 200 requests the cloud server computer 500 tostream the selected media asset to the media-playing device 200.

FIGS. 61, 62, and 64 to 66 are flowcharts illustrating how the streamingis performed.

The user first uses the media-playing device 200 to connect to the cloudserver computer 500 over network 400. The media-playing device 200launches the streaming program 305 a. According to the instructions ofthe streaming program 305 a, as illustrated in FIG. 61, themedia-playing device 200 first sends to the cloud server computer 500 arequest for connection between the media-playing device 200 and thecloud server computer 500 over the network 400 through the communicationcircuitry 302 (S5000).

Upon establishment of the connection (S5001), the media-playing device200 displays, on the output unit 303, a GUI for login as illustrated inFIG. 59. (S5002).

The login GUI may contain the login ID input field 700, the passwordinput field 701, and the button 702. The media-playing device 200receives user inputs of a login ID and a password in the fields 700 and701 as well as receives the user's pressing the button 702. The pressingmay be accomplished by tapping on the button 702 through the output unit301 if the output unit 301 includes a sensitive display capable ofdetecting taps as similar to the sensitive display 102. Or, if themedia-playing device 200 is coupled to an input device such as akeyboard, a mouse, and a remote commander, the pressing may beaccomplished by clicking or selecting the button 702 through the inputdevice.

Responsive to the button 702 being pressed (S5003), the media-playingdevice 200 sends to the cloud server computer 500 a request for loginwith the inputted user ID and the password (S5004).

The cloud server computer 500 accepts the requested login (S5006) if theuser ID and the password are registered together as the user data 600(S5005: Yes). If the user ID and the password are not registered (S5005:No), the cloud server computer 500 does not accept the requested login,and notifies the media-playing device 200 of failure to login (S5007).

Responsive to the login being permitted (S5006), the cloud servercomputer 500 sends to the media-playing device 200 informationindicative of the media assets 602 stored as the user data 600 of thelogged in user ID over the network 400 through the communicationcircuitry 503 (S5008). For example, if the user has logged in with theuser ID 001, the information indicative of the media assets 602 storedas the user data 600 of the user ID 001 is sent to the media-playingdevice 200. The information sent at S5008 may be a list of the mediaassets 602.

Responsive to reception of the information indicative of the mediaassets 602 through the communication circuitry 302, the media-playingdevice 200 transfers the information to the computing device 100 throughthe close-range communication circuitry 304 (S5009).

Responsive to the information indicative of the media assets 602, thecomputing device 100 displays on the sensitive display 102 a list of themedia assets 602 in a tappable manner as illustrated in FIG. 60 (S5010).The list may contain tappable objects, such as thumbnails, eachrepresenting each of the media assets 602. In an example of FIG. 60, thecomputing device 100 lists tappable thumbnails representing media assets602 contained in the user data 600 of the user ID 001, namely,“LoveSong01.mp3”, “PunkRock01.mp3”, “LoveSong02.mp3”, “PunkRock02.mp3”,“MyFavorite.mp3”, “Movie01.avi”, “MyDaughter.mpg”, “Movie02.avi”, and“SoapOpera01.mpg”.

Through the displayed media assets list, the user can select a mediaasset by tapping on a thumbnail representing the media asset. Thecomputing device 100 receives a tap made by the user onto a tappablethumbnail.

Responsive to a tappable thumbnail being tapped, the computing device100 sends information indicative of a media asset represented by thetapped thumbnail to the media-playing device 200 through the close-rangecommunication circuitry 106 (S5011).

Responsive to the information indicative of a media asset, themedia-playing device 200 sends a request for streaming of the selectedmedia asset to the cloud server computer 500 through the communicationcircuitry 302 (S5012).

Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 startsstreaming the requested media asset 602 to the media-playing device 200(S5013). Specifically, the cloud server computer 500 starts streamingthe requested media asset by directing the streaming to the IP addressof the media-playing device 200. If the requested media asset concernsencoded video or audio data, the streaming may be made by directlysending the encoded video or audio data to the media-playing device 200,or by decoding the encoded video or audio data to send the decoded datato the media-playing device 200. If the requested media asset concerns avideo game program, the streaming may be made by executing the videogame program to send rendered video game graphics and played video gamesound to the media-playing device 200.

Upon starting the streaming, the cloud server computer 500 sends to themedia-playing device 200 a notification that the streaming has beenstarted, and starts sending to the media-playing device 200 progressinformation indicative of progress of the streaming (S5014). Thenotification may contain information indicative of the streamed mediaasset such as the name of the streamed media asset, the format of thestreamed media asset, the duration of the streamed media asset, and thelikes. The progress information may indicate how far the media asset hasbeen streamed within the duration of the media asset. The cloud servercomputer 500 intermittently sends the progress information based on theprogress of the streaming after S5014 as long as the streaming is inprogress.

The media-playing device 200 receives the streamed media asset, thenotification, and the progress information. While the media asset isbeing streamed, the media-playing device 200 plays the media asset(S5015). Specifically, resultant audio and/or video generated as aresult of the media asset being played is outputted through the outputunit 303. For example, if the streamed media asset involves an encodedaudio or video data, the streamed media asset is decoded by theprocessor 301 so that the decoded video or audio is outputted by theoutput unit 303. For example, if the streamed media asset involves videogame graphics, the streamed media asset is just outputted by the outputunit 303

In parallel to playing the streamed media asset at S5015, themedia-playing device 200 transfers the notification to the computingdevice 100 through the close-range communication circuitry 304, andintermittently transfers the received progress information to thecomputing device 100 through the close-range communication circuitry 304(S5016).

Responsive to the notification and the progress information, thecomputing device 100 starts displaying on the sensitive display 102information indicative of the streamed media asset and a graphical menubased on the notification and the progress information (S5017). Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 63, the sensitive display 102 displaysthe name of the streamed media asset, a progress bar 904 indicative ofhow far the media asset has been played within the duration of theplayed media asset, and a graphical menu consisting of the icons 900 to903 for operation of the streaming. In the example of FIG. 63, thesensitive display 102 is showing that the media asset with the name of“Movie01.avi” has been played for eight minutes and twenty-seven secondsafter the start of the streaming within the duration of sixty minutes.The icons 900 to 903 are icons for operation of streaming of the mediaasset. Responsive to one of the icons 900 to 903 being tapped throughthe sensitive display 102, the computing device 100 sends a request foroperation of the ongoing streaming of the media asset to themedia-playing device 200 through the close-range communication circuitry106 (S5018). For example, responsive to the icon 900 being tapped, thecomputing device 100 requests rewinding of the ongoing streaming of themedia asset. For example, responsive to the icon 901 being tapped, thecomputing device 100 requests stopping of the ongoing streaming of themedia asset. For example, responsive to the icon 902 being tapped, thecomputing device 100 requests pausing of the ongoing streaming of themedia asset. For example, responsive to the icon 903 being tapped, thecomputing device 100 requests fast-forwarding of the ongoing streamingof the media asset.

Responsive to the request for operation from the computing device 100,the media-playing device 200 transfers the request to the cloud servercomputer 500 over the network 400 through the communication circuitry302 (S5019).

Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 operates thestreaming of the ongoing media asset, namely, rewinds, stops, pauses, orfast-forwards the ongoing streaming of the media asset (S5020).

In case of response to the request for pause of the streaming by way ofthe icon 902 being tapped in S5018 (S5100), the cloud server computer500 pauses the ongoing streaming to the media-playing device 200 (S5101)and pauses the intermittent transmission of the progress information tothe media-playing device 200 (S5102). Upon pausing the streaming and theintermittent progress information (S5101, S5102), the cloud servercomputer 500 sends an acknowledgement to the media-playing device 200(S5103). Responsive to the acknowledgement, the media-playing device 200stops intermittent transferring of the progress information to thecomputing device 100, and transfers the acknowledgement to the computingdevice 100 through the close-range communication circuitry 304 (S5104).

After the acknowledgement at S5104, the computing device 100 can send tothe media-playing device 200 for restart of the paused streamingresponsive to the icon 902 being tapped again (S5105). Responsive to therequest for restart, the media-playing device 200 transfers the requestto the cloud server computer 500 over the network 400 through thecommunication circuitry 302 (S5106).

Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 restarts thestreaming of the media asset again to the media-playing device 200(S5107) as well as restarts intermittently transmitting the progressinformation to the media-playing device 200 (S5108).

In case of response to the request for stop of the streaming by way ofthe icon 901 being tapped in S5019 (S5200), the cloud server computer500 stops the ongoing streaming to the media-playing device 200 (S5201)and stops the intermittent transmission of the progress information(S5202). Upon stopping the streaming and the intermittent progressinformation (S5201, S5202), the cloud server computer 500 stores a stoppoint indicative of a temporal or chronological point at which thestreaming is stopped within the duration of the media asset (S5203).Specifically, the cloud server computer 500 stores the stop point inassociation with the stopped media asset as the user data 600corresponding to the logged-in user ID. The cloud server computer 500will start streaming of the once-stopped media asset at the stop pointstored in association with the media asset responsive to request forstreaming the once-stopped media asset again from the media-playingdevice 200. Assuming that the streaming is stopped at the momentillustrated in FIG. 63, the cloud server computer 500 stores a stoppoint indicative of eight minutes and twenty-seven seconds within thesixty minute duration in association with “Movies01.avi” as the userdata 600 of the user ID 001, and the cloud server computer 500 willstart streaming “Movies01.avi” at eight minutes and twenty-seven secondsresponsive to request for streaming “Movie01.avi” again from themedia-playing device 200.

Also, upon stopping the streaming and the intermittent progressinformation (S5201, S5202), the cloud server computer 500 sends to themedia-playing device 200 an acknowledgement (S5204) and informationindicative of the media assets 602 stored as the user data 600 of thelogged in user ID (S5205) over the network 400 though the communicationcircuitry 503.

Responsive to the acknowledgement and the information indicative of themedia assets 602, the media-playing device 200 transfers theacknowledgement and the information to the computing device 100 throughthe close-range communication circuitry 304 (S5206, S5207).

Responsive to the acknowledgement and the information, the computingdevice 100 returns to S5010, namely, starts displaying on the sensitivedisplay 102 a list of the media assets 602 in a tappable manner asillustrated in FIG. 60.

While the media-playing device 200 is playing a media asset after S5015,the media-playing device 200 may continuously monitor connection betweenthe media-playing device 200 and the computing device 100, namely,between the close-range communication circuitry 304 and the close-rangecommunication circuitry 106 (S5021).

The monitoring of connection may be made by, for example, sendingpolling signals intermittently from the media-playing device 200 to thecomputing device 100 through the close-range communication circuitry304. As long as the media-playing device 200 receives acknowledgementsfrom the computing device 100 in reply to the polling signals throughthe close-range communication circuitry 304, the media-playing device200 determines that the connection is kept established between thecomputing device 100 and the media-playing device 200. If themedia-playing device 200 fails to receive acknowledgements from thecomputing device 100 in reply to the polling signals, the media-playingdevice 200 determines that the computing device 100 and themedia-playing device 200 have been disconnected from each other for somereason. Note that the computing device 100 may become disconnected fromthe media-playing device 200 if, for example, the computing device 100has been powered off or has been carried by the user to some place wherethe computing device 100 cannot wirelessly connect to the media-playingdevice 200 via the close-range communication circuitry 106.

Responsive to determining that the media-playing device 200 and thecomputing device 100 have been disconnected from each other (S5021: NO),the media-playing device 200 sends to the cloud server computer 500 arequest for stop of the ongoing streaming (S5022).

Responsive to the request, the cloud server computer 500 stops theongoing streaming of the media asset (S5023) and stops the intermittenttransmission of the progress information (S5024). Upon stopping thestreaming and the intermittent progress information (S5023, S5024), thecloud server computer 500 stores a stop point indicative of a temporalor chronological point at which the streaming is stopped within theduration of the media asset (S5025). The cloud server computer 500stores the stop point in association with the stopped media asset as theuser data 600 corresponding to the logged-in user ID. The cloud servercomputer 500 will start streaming of the once-stopped media asset at thestop point stored in association with the media asset responsive torequest for streaming the once-stopped media asset again from themedia-playing device 200. Assuming that the streaming is stopped at themoment illustrated in FIG. 60, the cloud server computer 500 stores astop point indicative of eight minutes and twenty seven seconds withinthe sixty minute duration in association with “Movies01.avi” as the userdata 600 of the user ID 001, and the cloud server computer 500 willstart streaming “Movies01.avi” at the time of eight minutes and twentyseven seconds responsive to request for streaming “Movie01.avi” againfrom the media-playing device 200.

Thanks to S5021 through S5026, if the cloud server computer 500 becomesunable to receive requests from the computing device 100 and so thestreaming of the media asset may become out of control, the streamingautomatically stops. Accordingly, the media asset can be avoided frombeing streamed out of control in case of some communication troublebetween the computing device 100 and the cloud server computer 500.

Advantage and Supplemental Note

The embodiments described above allow the user to use one of his/herdevice (for example, the computing device 100) to start and/or controlmedia asset streaming from the cloud server computer 500 to another ofhis/her device (for example, the media-playing device 200).

Thanks to the embodiments, the user can use a portable or mobile device(for example, the computing device 100) as a remote commander foroperating streaming, to enjoy playing a media asset at another device(for example, the media-playing device 200) having a greater displayand/or loudspeaker.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. Accordingly, theabove description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for thepurpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of carrying outthe invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the inventionherein shown and described are to be taken as exemplary embodiments.Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention. For example, equivalent elements or materials may besubstitute for those illustrated and described herein, and certainfeatures of the invention may be utilized independently of the use ofother features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art afterhaving the benefit of this description of the invention. In addition,the terms “a” and “an” are generally used in the present disclosure tomean one or more.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, at a mobilecommunication device, media content information from a server, the mediacontent information indicative of a plurality of media content items;responsive to receiving a first user input indicating selection of afirst media content item of the plurality of media content items,sending a first request for the first media content item to the server,the first request identifying the mobile communication device as adestination for streaming; receiving a stream of the first media contentitem at the mobile communication device; initiating playback of thefirst media content item at the mobile communication device; responsiveto receiving a second user input indicating selection of a mediaplayback device as the destination for streaming, sending a secondrequest to the server, the second request identifying the media playbackdevice as the destination for streaming, wherein the mobilecommunication device is associated with a first internet protocol (IP)address, and wherein the media playback device is associated with asecond IP address that is different than the first IP address; and aftersending the second request, receiving, at the mobile communicationdevice, progress information related to playback of the first mediacontent item at the media playback device; and displaying the progressinformation at the mobile communication device during playback of atleast a portion of the first media content item at the media playbackdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the progress information isdisplayed by displaying a visual indication of a duration of a playedback portion of the first media content item with respect to a totalduration of the first media content item.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the stream is received at the mobile communication device priorto sending the second request.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising displaying a prompt that indicates one or more potentialdestinations for streaming, wherein the one or more potentialdestinations include the media playback device.
 5. The method of claim1, further comprising sending registration data from the mobilecommunication device to the server, the registration data indicatingthat the mobile communication device is associated with the mediaplayback device.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending anoperation request from the mobile communication device to the server,wherein the operation request indicates a control operation associatedwith playback of the first media content item.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the control operation comprises a pause operation.
 8. The methodof claim 6, wherein the control operation comprises a stop operation. 9.The method of claim 6, wherein the control operation comprises a fastforward operation.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the controloperation comprises a rewind operation.
 11. A method of providingstreaming media content, the method comprising: during playback of amedia content item at a mobile communication device, receiving a userinput indicating selection of a media playback device, wherein themobile communication device is associated with a first internet protocol(IP) address, wherein the media playback device is associated with asecond IP address that is different than the first IP address, andwherein the media content item is streamed at the mobile communicationdevice from a server; sending a request for the media content item tothe server, the request identifying the media playback device as adestination for streaming; after sending the request, receiving, at themobile communication device, progress information related to playback ofthe media content item at the media playback device; and displaying theprogress information at the mobile communication device during playbackof at least a portion of the media content item at the media playbackdevice.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the stream of the mediacontent item is terminated after sending the request.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the progress information is displayed by displaying avisual indication of a duration of a played back portion of the mediacontent item with respect to a total duration of the media content item.14. The method of claim 11, further comprising sending registration datafrom the mobile communication device to the server, the registrationdata indicating that the mobile communication device is associated withthe media playback device.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising displaying a prompt that indicates one or more potentialdestinations for streaming, wherein the one or more potentialdestinations include the media playback device.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein the user input is received responsive to the prompt.
 17. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising sending an operation request fromthe mobile communication device to the server, wherein the operationrequest indicates a control operation associated with playback of themedia content item.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the controloperation comprises a pause operation.
 19. The method of claim 17,wherein the control operation comprises a stop operation.
 20. The methodof claim 17, wherein the control operation comprises a fast forwardoperation or a rewind operation.